Thomas 'Yote' Howard O'Brien

Thomas ('Yote') Howard O'Brien, the son of Michael and Myrtle Toomey O'Brien, was born April 27, 1934 in Sioux City, IA, the 7th of 8 children. His early education was at Blessed Sacrament, and he attended Trinity and graduated from Heelan High School in 1952 where he participated in all types of sports. Yote served with the United States Army and was stationed in France during the end of the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1956. He then continued his education at the University of South Dakota. Yote married Mary Jackson in Spencer on May 5, 1962. Following their marriage, they made their home in Spencer where he owned and operated The Alibi Lounge for 14 years. Yote then owned and operated Sid & Sam's Floor Covering with Lowell Madsen until his retirement in 1999. He was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus member at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, member of the Iowa Bar and Beverage Association, and active in the Democratic Party. His unwavering commitment to God was only matched with his respect and love for his wife. In his spare time, Yote enjoyed watching he and Mary's 6 children (and their friends) participate in sports and other extracurricular activities; always reveling in their collective accomplishments. Most of all, he enjoyed his summers at the Lake making memories with his big Irish family. After a long battle with cancer, Yote passed away on January 25, 2016 at his home at the age of 81. His positive attitude and uncanny sense of humor will be missed by many. He is preceded in death by his parents; 4 brothers: Don, Mike, Jack and Phil; one sister, Patricia Aiken and many other cherished relatives and friends. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 53 years Mary of Spencer; his children: Shannon Larson of Omaha, NE, Don (Stacie) O'Brien of Ames, IA, Tom O'Brien (Erin Manwarren) of Spencer, IA, Peg (Kyle) Reit of Valley, NE, Mary Ann O'Brien of Omaha, NE, and Matt (Kristi) O'Brien of Urbandale, IA; 8 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; brother, Robert 'BJ' (Nella) O'Brien; sister, Shiuvaun (Ray) Nasypany; sister in law;'s Gladys O'Brien, Doris O'Brien, and Mary Jackson; brother in law Jim (Connie) Jackson, and many wonderful nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

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