John “Jack” O’Brien
John “Jack” O’Brien was born in Kelly Lake, Minnesota, on October 9, 1933, and died on October 22, 2026, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Jack lived his early years in northern Minnesota before moving to Superior, Wisconsin, where his father worked for the Great Northern Railroad. Jack graduated from Cathedral High School in Superior in 1951 and then attended UW-Superior. While there, he met the love of his life, Jane Ford, and they married on July 30, 1955.
After college, Jack entered the United States Air Force where he was trained to fly helicopters. He was deployed to South Korea where one of his missions was to fly American generals to peace talks at Panmunjom. After returning to the U.S., Jack was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base near Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where he flew air-sea rescue missions. Jack also flew for a joint project between USAF and NASA in the early space program.
After completing his service, Jack returned to Wisconsin and followed his older brother Jerry to the University of Wisconsin Law School and he began his law career in 1963 in Wausau. In 1967, he and Jane moved their family to Eagle River, where he joined Edmund Draeger in forming the law firm of Draeger, O’Brien, Anderson, Burgy & Garbowicz. Jack’s practice included real estate law, municipal and school law, civil and criminal law, and corporate law. Jack also used his practice to support the local community by representing and serving on various boards and committees. He practiced law for 55 years before retiring in 2018 at age 85.
Jack loved the Eagle River community and was instrumental in local organizations, including the Eagle River Lions Club, of which he was a proud member for over 50 years. He was named the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 1991, and in 2000 he and Jane were named the Honorary Parade Marshall’s for Eagle River’s 4th of July Parade.
Jack’s service to others was guided by his faith. He was a member of St. Peter the Fisherman Parish for 60 years and served his church in many ways, from leadership roles to serving during weekly Mass. Jack made it a priority to attend Mass every weekend, and he kept that commitment through every illness and challenge he faced over the past year.
More than anything, Jack loved being with people. He loved his wife, his family, his Church, his friends, his law partners, the people who worked for him and with him, and the people he represented. His positive attitude and optimism throughout his life were an inspiration to all. He had a smile and a helping hand for everyone, and if he knew you, you were his friend.
When Jack wasn’t working, he loved spending time outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved his time at the hunting shack and being on the lake at the crack of dawn. He and Jane made many memories with family and friends at their cabin on Northern Lights Lake in Canada. Camping was a lifelong love of theirs, first in tents and later in their motorhome. In their later years, Jack and Jane spent their winters exploring the Southwest from their winter home in Mesa, Arizona.
Jack is survived by Jane, his wife of 71 years; son, Michael (Phyllis Federspiel) of Manitowish Waters; and daughter, Kelly (Scott) Lacko of Eagle River. He is further survived by his grandchildren, Kyrstin (David) O’Brien, Sean (Kelsey) O’Brien, Sam (Marisa) Lacko and Josh (McKenna) Lacko; his great-granddaughters, Lucille Lacko and Willow O’Brien; his brothers, Jerry and Bob (Patty); and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Jack was preceded in death by his son, Tim; his parents, Gerald and Helen O’Brien; his sister, Marjorie; and several brothers- and sisters-in-law.
The family would like to thank the staff at Legacy of the Northwoods for being a home away from home for Jack, and Larissa from Compassus Home Health for her care and comfort to Jack and Jane during this past year.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter the Fisherman Parish on Friday, October 30th, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Eagle River Lion’s Club.
Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River. Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com
