Jerry Edward O'Brien

Jerry Edward O'Brien Sr., 86, of Battle Creek passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, May 30, 2021 at Borgess Place in Kalamazoo. He was born in Battle Creek on August 22, 1934, the loving son of Robert James and Mary Jane (VanZile) O'Brien. Jerry graduated from Battle Creek Central High School and faithfully served his country as a member of the United States Army. He retired from the Kellogg Company in 1999 after more than 14 years, and had previously served more than 19 years with the Eaton Corporation.

Jerry married Jean Ann Barthel on August 10, 1963 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Battle Creek; she sadly preceded him in death on January 30, 2010. He is survived by his children, Jerry E. (Karen) O'Brien Jr. of Battle Creek, Teresa K. (Rick) Williams of Battle Creek, Rob T. (Debbie) O'Brien of Kalamazoo and Amy C. (Tim) Easler of Battle Creek; his grandchildren, Megan, Sean, Rick, Josh, Tyler, Jessica, Ashlee, Thomas, Lincoln and Xavier; and two great-grandchildren, Sage and Jade. Jerry was also preceded in death by an infant son, Timothy O'Brien in 1972; two brothers Jack (Jerry's twin) and Bob; and two sisters, Patricia and Sandra.

Over the years, Jerry attended St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Redemption Lutheran Church and St. Mark Lutheran Church. An avid Detroit Lions & Tigers fan, Jerry enjoyed all things History (especially the Korean Conflict) and enjoyed reading history books, watching the History Channel and talking politics. He also enjoyed eating ice cream and spending time with his family.

At the request of the family, they will receive friends 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 5th at Farley-Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek where funeral services to celebrate Jerry's life will begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow at Hicks Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.

The family has created a wonderful slideshow celebrating Jerry's life and it may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/558846326.