Michael Alexander O'Brien

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O'Brien, Michael Alexander St Paul, 94, 8/12/1920-10/20/14, died after a five year struggle with Alzheimer's. Preceded in death by his parents Christopher Dillon and Mary Foley O'Brien; siblings Christopher, Mary Louise, Thomas, Jessie and Craig. Survived by wife of 67 years Polly; children Sandy & Judy and their children Drew (Carrie Valverde), Tara (Rob) Cain, Katie (Benjamin) Dillon; Craig & Maureen and their family; Elizabeth & Olav and their family; 8 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Michael's great-grandparents came from Ireland and settled on Madeline Island in 1857. A lifelong St. Paul resident, Michael attended St. Paul Academy and enlisted in the Army Air Force and became a B-24 pilot during WWII. He was awarded the Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross. Following the war, Michael became the luckiest man in St. Paul when he met Polly Goodrich of Winnetka, Il. They were married in 1947 and raised their family in Highland Park. Michael had a career in the insurance business and pursued his other great loves (in addition to his wife and family): flying, spending summers on his beloved Madeline Island, lawn mowers, extra thick chocolate malts, Polly's chocolate sauce, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, Hershey Bars, Milky Ways, well you get the idea . The family wishes to express its utmost gratitude to all the staff at the Minnesota Vet's Home, Building 19, 2nd Floor, Willow Way, for the wonderful, diligent and sensitive care they provided to Michael and all the veterans in their care. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Gillette Children's Hospital or choice of donor. A memorial service will be held at Mendakota Country Club on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 4-7pm.

Published on October 26, 2014