Bret O'Brien
March 5, 1960 ~ November 19, 2021
Bret O'Brien, 61, of Toddville, passed away Friday, November 19, 2021, at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids, following an extended illness. He generously donated to the Iowa Lion's Eye Bank. Graveside Service 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 26, 2021, at Dunkard Cemetery, Toddville, by Celebrant Dawn Stephens. A Celebration of Life will take place in Summer 2022 at Sandy Beach in Solon. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, is caring for Bret and his family.
Survivors include his daughter, Brooke (Edgar) O'Brien-Meza; grandchildren, Daniel, Sonia, David, Nicolas, and Nathaniel Meza; siblings, Greg (Kandi) Peyton, Tracy (Jay) Schonberg, Vicky (Brian) Bolsinger, and Jim (Lynn) O'Brien; niece and nephews, Jason, David, Melissa (Julian), Adam, and Dillon; uncle, Al Haars; special friends, Al Meyer, Colleen Zangerle, and Fred and Vicki Hardiman; many extended family members and friends; and beloved dog, Ginger.
Bret Arthur O'Brien was born March 5, 1960, in Cedar Rapids, to William James and Donna Lea (DeGreif) O'Brien. He graduated from Solon High School in 1978. Bret began working as a laborer doing landscaping, and for Doug Zangerle who took him under his wing and taught him masonry. Bret was a skilled mason, and began his company, O'Brien Masonry, in 1994. He taught and mentored many up-and-coming entrepreneurs, and even helped Cub Scouts and Eagle Scouts with their projects. Bret was skilled in the construction trade, having built his own home on ten acres and creating the O'Brien addition in 1995. He adored and was especially proud of his daughter, Brooke, for all her achievements and her service in the Air Force. He was a hard worker who enjoyed keeping busy, working on outdoor projects, and advising his daughter on her own home purchases. Bret also enjoyed to water ski, snow ski, ride horses, and watch Hawkeye football and Cubs baseball. He was an all-around good guy, always happy, smiling bright, and shared a positive disposition. He never knew a stranger, would always lend a hand, and gave great advice.
Bret was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, including maternal grandparents, Arthur and Vernice DeGreif; friend and mentor, Doug Zangerle; and special cousin Paul Letts.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trees Forever: ReLeaf Cedar Rapids. Bret diligently helped many people with cleanup following the 2020 Derecho.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Cedar Rapids
Vicky, Tracy & Greg, I am very sorry to hear about Bret. I hope that you find comfort in the memories that you have. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love to you. Kelley ( Bennett) McNeese
I still remember many of the places we landscaped back in the day. Peace, Prayers and Blessings.
Bret built a beautiful fireplace for us and was a joy to work with. He was a master at masonry and an all around nice person. So sad to hear of his death. He will be missed by many.
With deepest sympathy,
I shared four years with Bret in the 80’s. Some of our best (and maybe worst!) times were on the pontoon boat (remembering Bret and his buddies trying to wheel a beer keg onto the boat, only to have it slip into the water and we lost all of the ice), camping (in a gazillion degree temps. I went to the showers, with my one and only quarter and clean and dry bra/undies, to have the shower basically spit at me for lack of water pressure and in my frustration, I dropped my undies on the wet floor). I was not a happy camper, but Bret could only laugh about all of the calamities of the day!! Games nights with our friends on the floor of the dining room at the 9th Street house provided many, many laughs. The best times, however, were any time we had Brooke stay with us!! I have fond memories of that little cherub and know how much Bret adored her. (And I have pictures to share if you reach out Brooke! I’ll be back in the US Dec 18) Bret was a hard worker and a people pleaser. Always with a smile. I am incredibly saddened to hear of his passing. RIP Bretly. Barbara May
Barb please reach out brooke.obrienmeza@gmail.com. Thank you!
Dear Brooke and family, We send you our sympathy. I will miss him waving to me as I walked by on Midway Road or sometimes he’d be coming up behind me and honk and scare the “beep” out of me! When he fixed the corner foundation on the house Bill enjoyed talking and getting to know him. We won’t be able to attend the graveside service. Sending you a big hug… Bill and Alice Gansen
Brett was a good man with a good heart. He was an accomplished brick man. I am very sorry for your loss. Take care Bill Chadima and family
Bret and I planted alot of trees together let’s plant some more Bret.. Forever your Sister Tracy