Murray Charles O'Brien

Murray Charles O’Brien passed away peacefully on February 14, 2021.  He was 95 years old and born in Cascade, Iowa to the parents of Emmett and Rachel O’Brien.  Murray was preceded in death by his eldest son Michael and is survived by his 4 children Michele Richards, Teri Walsh, Patrick O’Brien and Maureen Oppenneer, six grandchildren Ryan Floyd, Valerie Rosic, Nick Oppenneer, Sarah Richards, Zach Oppenneer, Hailey Yarbrough and seven great grandchildren, Brady, Dylan and Tyler Floyd,  Oliver, Calin and Evan Rosic, and Jaxon Oppenneer. 

Murray was the oldest of 5 children and grew up on a family farm during the Depression and attended a one room school.  After graduating high school in 1942 he enlisted in the Navy to serve our country during World War II.   Three years later, at the conclusion of the war, Murray was honorably discharged, and he then attended Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa.  

Murray met the love of his life, Lenora Divoky, in Iowa and later married her in Texas in 1952.  Eight years later the family moved to Colorado.  Murray was a hard worker and wonderful provider, even when he would get laid off from one job, he always found another job or two if necessary.   

Murray loved his Irish heritage and enjoyed visiting Ireland and traveling to Florida and Georgia.  He was also an avid Bronco, Rockies, CU and CSU fan and loved playing golf, bowling and enjoyed listening to politics and music. 

His family was his pride and joy. 

Murray celebrated all the accomplishments of his children, his grandchildren and great grandchildren.   He enjoyed having them visit and attended many of their baseball and football games throughout the years.

Murray also mourned the loss of his wife of 63 years in 2013, and his oldest son, Michael who passed away in December of 2020 from Covid.  

Murray and Lenora were faithful Catholics and certainly passed that gift on to all their children. Their faith and prayer are what got them through the tough times.  In 1966 the family moved to Littleton, Colorado and were long time parishioners at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  We were blessed to have such a caring, protective Father and were fortunate to enjoy him for so many years. Murray certainly left an imprint on all our lives and was the best Father anyone could ever want.  Murray ‘s work on earth was done, and it was time for God to call him home.

This isn’t goodbye Dad it’s see you later.  May he enjoy his reward in Heaven and rest in eternal peace.

Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 23rd at 10:30 A.M. at St. Mary Catholic Church with interment to follow at Ft. Logan National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Heart Association, Arthritis Foundation or Centura Health Porter Hospice.

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