1943 – Gayle Marie O’Brian – 2016
Gayle was born in Slayton, Minnesota, on September 5, 1943, to Benjamin and Marie Wagner of Iona, Minnesota. Gayle’s joyful childhood was spent in Iona, Minnesota with her two parents and four brothers: Bruce, John, Tom, and Chuck. She graduated from St. Columba High School in Iona, Minnesota and attended Mankato State University and Southwest State University graduating with a BA Suma Cum Laude. She worked as CCD coordinator at St. Ann’s Catholic Church. She taught Health, Physical Education, and English at Gibbon Public School. She excelled in her career as Activities Coordinator at Knollwood Place senior living apartments. Gayle was a devout Catholic and her faith helped guide her throughout her life. Gayle thrived at life, dedicating herself to her family, faith, Friends and health. She raised children, instilling in them the same love, integrity, and wisdom she brought to the world. She was an energetic woman, active in many sports, such as softball, volleyball, tennis, biking, hiking, golf and bowling. Gayle had a great passion for horses! Even as a little girl she was barrel racing and roping calves in rodeos. What brought her the greatest joy was anything that involved spending time with her family, especially her grandkids. There is no light brighter than the look on her face when she was near any of her six kids or 12 grandchildren. She was a loving mother, grandmother, wife and person of faith. Additionally, she was an exceptional teacher, athlete, and so much more. O’Brian, Gayle Marie (Wagner, Buse), New Hope, MN, passed away peacefully, at the age of 72, surrounded by family, on June 29, 2016.
Gayle is survived by children Mike(Kim) Buse, Pat (Cathy) Buse, Jimmy (Patti) Buse, Lisa (Rick) Grathen, Tim Buse (Sara Kubal), Dan Buse (Nicolas Burrows), and step-son Sean O’Brian; grandchildren: Nicole Buse, Cody Buse, Andrew Buse, Rebecca Buse, Elizabeth Buse, Kalee Buse, Kelsey Buse, Sawyer Grathen, Brekken Grathen, Nicole Faouen, Sebastian Buse, Daniel B. Buse and step granddaughter Lindsey O’Brian; brothers: Bruce (Linda) Wagner and Chuck (Sandy) Wagner; sisters-in-laws: Margaret Wagner and Judy Wagner and many other relatives and friends. Gayle was preceded in death by husband James G. O’Brian; parents Benjamin and Marie Wagner; brothers: John Wagner and Tom Wagner.
Funeral Services were held on Thursday July 7, 2016, at Pax Christi Catholic Church, Eden Prairie. Mailing address if you wish to contact Gayle’s family, Lisa Grathen, 8590 College Trail, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076. All monetary donations will be given to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Gayle O’Brian.
