Barbara "Bobbie" O'Brien

BARBARA “BOBBIE” FRANCES O’BRIEN, age 71, of Crystal, died on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale.

Born on November 11, 1950, in Waseca to Clarence “Bud” and Ruby (Hrdlicka) Roessler. She grew up in Elysian and graduated from Waterville-Elysian High School with the class of 1969. On May 6, 1972, Bobbie was united in marriage to Robert James O’Brien at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca. They lived in various communities through the years, most recently in Crystal but she always considered Waterville and Elysian her home. Following her education, she began working at E.F. Johnson Company in Waseca but mostly in the food industry as a cake decorator until her health no longer allowed. Bobbie and Bob also owned and operated for a short time “O’Brien’s Kountry Kettle Diner” in Waterville. They enjoyed spending their summers in the camper at the Pit Stop in Elysian for the past 20 years. She enjoyed going to flea markets and auctions searching for antiques and jewelry. Her hobbies included crafts, watching football and spending time with family and friends. Most of all, cooking and canning had a special place in Bobbies heart, and she was proud to pass on her passion to her children and grandchildren. Bobbie was a people person, who could turn any stranger into a friend with her personality and sense of humor. She will be dearly missed.

Bobbie is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Bob of Crystal; children: Lori Ryan of Rosemount, Steve (Sara) O’Brien of Maple Grove, Tammy (Mickey) Pflipsen of Shakopee, Tom (Karri) O’Brien of Coon Rapids, Catherine (Nate) Sing of Andrews, TX, and Ryan O’Brien of Crystal; over 20 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters: Jennie (Larry) Ross, and Bev (Jim) Shofstall; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Preceded in death by her parents; son, Tim; granddaughter, Evelyn; sister, Sally; niece, Sheri and son-in-law, Tony.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:30 AM on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Waterville. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Waterville. Visitation will be for two hours prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.