On September 24, 2026, Michael James O’Brien, went to the waiting arms of Jesus and those who predeceased Mike (daughter, Catherine Jager, grandson, Johnny Rough, son-in- law, Mark Jager, brothers, Roderick O’Brien and William O’Brien, sisters, Margaret Johnson and Phyllis Bogren, and parents, Donald and Evelyn O’Brien). Michael leaves behind his beloved wife of over 71 years, Yvonne O’Brien, his children: Thomas O’Brien (Sherry), Deborah O’Brien, and Stephen O’Brien, his grandchildren: Melissa O’Brien, Brandy O’Brien, Michael S. O’Brien, Stephen Yealin, Jason O’Brien, Brittany Davis, and William Jager, his great-grandchildren: Justin Blauvelt, Skyler O’Brien, Aila Jammal, Jaydin Blauvelt, Madison O’Brien, Aniston O’Brien, Olivia Davis, Charlie Yealin, Owen Davis, Asher O’Brien, and Oscar Yealin, as well as his brothers, Robert O’Brien and Kermit O’Brien.

Michael was born on 8/17/36. He was a practicing Catholic and devout Tigers baseball fan his entire life. At St. Augustine High School, he was on the basketball team, homecoming court, and voted the funniest person in the class. Mike’s kids enjoyed hearing tales of how he became the class clown, and they loved their dad’s stories about how he met and married the girl next door. Like his Irish ancestors, Mike was a fan of jokes and storytelling. When he told new friends the jokes and stories that his children had listened to for years, he’d grin as his kids sighed and their eyes seemed to roll back in their heads like the lemons on a slot machine.

A hard-working entrepreneur, Mike was a business owner as well as a Realtor and Broker who ran a real estate o\ice and owned multiple rental properties in Michigan and in Naples, Florida. When he was much younger, Mike’s professional holdings included a Marathon service station (back in the days when service was a thing) and the Gun Lake Resort (whose guests included the Detroit Tigers baseball star, Rob Deere).

In recent years, Mike still casually worked as a Broker and volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul (a thrift store that o\ers clothing and household items to those in need). Into his 80s, Mike was the pitcher on a softball team, and he also enjoyed playing poker with his friends at his homes in Michigan and Florida. Mike became an avid reader, devouring three books per week, and until his recent health battle, he rose at 5:00am seven days per week to work out at the gym.

Mike would want to be remembered as the devoted husband of Yvonne, as a hard-working father who provided for his children, as a grandpa who was extremely proud of his grandchildren, and as a person who walked in faith his entire life. 

Mike’s family will remember him for his sense of humor, his ability to pivot when needed, his endless jokes, his many quotes, his positive attitude, and his eagerness to quietly help others both financially and in service.

***********************************************

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held on Friday, October 23 at 10:00am at St. Thomas More Catholic Parish, 421 Monroe Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49006. After the Mass, interment will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, 6942 Lindsey Road, Orangeville Township, Barry County, Michigan. {In keeping with Mike’s desire that we “keep things simple,” there will not be a visitation.}

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Michael’s name to “St. Vincent de Paul of Kalamazoo,” 513 Eleanor St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007. (Please note in the memo portion of your check, “In memory of Michael J. O’Brien.”) Envelopes will be available at the church.

*************************************************

Mike’s family wishes to thank the many relatives and friends who were loved by Michael and enriched his life. We also thank you for praying for Michael and supporting his wife and children during these di\icult six months. We felt your prayers and appreciated your kindness and care. May our beloved husband / father rest in eternal peace.