Richard Page O'Brien

Richard P. O’Brien was born in Saint Paul, MN on May 22, 1933, to Leonard “Doc” O’Brien and Alberta S. Page O'Brien. The family moved to North Mankato, MN in 1941, where Doc and Alberta would takeover Page’s Delicatessen on Belgrade Avenue. He later graduated from Loyola High School, and in 1957, he married his spirited wife, Carol M. Austin, and together they raised seven children in a home they built together. The O’Brien homestead would later go on to provide lasting and loving memories for three generations of the O’Brien clan, as well as many friends and relatives.

Rich was proud of his North Kato roots - often sharing stories of his many childhood adventures. Stories of swimming and playing along the banks of the Minnesota River, and riding horse’s with his cousins on his Grandpa Ben’s farm. His favorite story, however, was the time he and his pals steered a buggy down what is now Lookout Drive, eventually coming to a stop after two blocks into Lower North. Unbeknownst to him, the crew flew past his father, who whipped around to witness their entire harrowing ride down the hill. Rich thought for sure he would be in trouble, but his dad simply said with a proud grin, “Wow, that was some ride!” Later, as a teenager, he worked for his dad at O’Brien’s Driving Range and Root Beer stand located on top of Lookout Drive.

Rich graduated with a Master of Education and became a teacher of English and the Humanities, spending 35 years in the Mankato School District. Throughout the years, his children were frequently subjected to grammar lessons at the dinner table. These lessons continued long after retirement, and well into old age, with the impromptu quizzing of not only his children and grandchildren, but of random baristas, nurses, doctors, or cashiers on how to pronounce the word ‘often’ or how to spell ‘a lot’. Rich had a knack for creating a fun classroom environment and he inspired many young minds. It was not unusual for him to receive letters long after retirement, thanking him for his role in influencing their various careers in writing or teaching.

Rich became a dedicated scoutmaster of Troop 77 throughout the 1970s. To this day, his former scouts share tales of their epic wilderness adventures and below zero winter campouts. Troop 77 was truly molded after Rich’s spirit of adventure. He was a true scouting legend.

He also had a life-long passion for fast pitch softball and throughout the 80s he played an instrumental role in the development of the Mankato Peppers program. He had a knowledgable, yet fun approach to coaching and led several teams to state championships and national tournaments.

Many also knew Rich as an avid skier and every winter he would travel to Colorado to ski with his children. He was a member of the Mount Kato Ski Patrol as well as a coach for the Mankato Ski Team. He was known for his long, gracefully slow turns down the slopes.

Friends and family would describe Rich as a storyteller, skier, cross-country cycler and paddler, poet and reader, and most notably a lover of nature. He was also an adventurer and hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, rode his bike across the country, climbed Colorado 14ers, and paddled the Mississippi from its start. His was a well-lived life, and he often took his wife, children and grand-children along for the ride; introducing them to the Appalachian Trail, as well as the Peaks of Colorado’s tallest mountains. He was so very blessed to have a devoted and loving wife to hold down the fort so he could pursue his epic adventures.

Rich had a life long passion for books and was an avid reader. He deeply enjoyed his weekly book clubs and coffee house chats, discussing everything from politics to history to philosophy and spirituality. He also challenged himself with different artistic pursuits, most notably his Bic ball point drawings done on his signature envelopes. He would use these to send the hundreds of letters typed on his old Army issued Royal typewriter. In his retirement, he also taught himself how to play the bagpipes and the concertina - often entertaining friends and family with impromptu concerts.

Rich and Carol both shared a deep faith and were long-time members of Crossview Covenant Church. He deeply enjoyed his Bible studies and worshiping with others.

Rich lived life to the fullest and took his last breath on June 6th, 2026 with his two daughters by his side. He had spent decades planting pine trees along his driveway with his last day in mind, stating that he wanted his body to be taken out “surrounded by trees”. He got his wish with his final drive up his own driveway as his children waved their last goodbyes.

Rich is survived by his 7 children,19 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren, as well as many loving cousins, in-laws, and friends. Rich was preceded in death by his wife, Carol; parents, Leonard and Alberta.

A Celebration of Rich’s Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., August 8, 2026, at Crossview Covenant Church, 2000 W Howard Dr, North Mankato. Visitation with family is 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m, also at Crossview. Following the service, there will be a reception with bars and beverages.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to One Tree Planted / Appalachian Trail Conservancy or an organization of your choice.