Daniel O'Brien, MD
Daniel K. O’Brien, M.D., 76, of Springfield, IL passed away October 23, 2023 at HSHS St. John’s Hospital. A private family ceremony will be held in accordance with Dan’s wishes.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Parkinson Foundation, https://www.parkinson.org/; The Joy of Movement, https://thejoyofmovement.org/ (a local organization serving Springfield, IL); or a charity of the donor’s choice.
A kind man with a great sense of humor, Dan’s legacy will continue through his children, grandchildren, and the many lives he touched over the course of his career and every day.
Dan was born May 13, 1947, the son of Kenneth William and Alphild Leona Pladsen O’Brien, in Waukon. He married Elizabeth Ann Louden August 22, 1971 in Grinnell.
He graduated from Waukon High School, received his bachelor’s degree from Luther College in Decorah, earned his M.D. at the University of Iowa, and completed his medical residency at the University of Minnesota, Smiley’s Point Clinic. He practiced medicine for 40 years, retiring from HSHS in 2016. He was certified in family practice with special interest in geriatrics and rural healthcare.
As a physician, Dan was known for his compassion, concern, honesty and sincerity. As a teacher, he was known for his intellect and authenticity, and he guided his residents well. As a friend and neighbor, he was known for his wit, generosity, and loyalty. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he gave his all. His family was always his first priority, and his love was their sure and steadfast anchor.
A giant in stature, standing at a memorable 6’5”, Dan’s range of interests was vast, and his children inherited his intellectual curiosity. He enjoyed gardening and collecting vintage post cards. He dabbled in furniture making. He was a voracious reader, a solver of puzzles, and a fan of many sports, never losing his passion for the Iowa Hawkeyes. He always had music in his heart and a song (or a whistle) on his lips.
He was a man of many gifts, and to many, Dan O’Brien was a gift.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Patricia O’Brien Rehder; and his brother-in-law, Denny Rehder.
Left to mourn and remember him are his wife, Liz; his children, Anne (James) of Arlington, VA, Timothy (Abagail) of Milwaukee, WI, and Peter (Katherine) of Ames; his sister, Colleen (Ron) Randel of Tyler, TX; his grandchildren, Marie, Rosalie and Maeve; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home - Springfield, 900 South 6th Street in Springfield, IL. Please visit butlerspringfield.com to offer your condolences.
Dan O’Brien was such a good man.
