Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
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Koley James O’Brien’s life was tragically cut short on late Monday evening at the young age of 30 years old. With the loss of Koley the world now has one less amazing, talented, and genuinely loving individual. Jesus welcome Koley to his new home where he now will have the opportunity to continue making music with the angels in heaven.
Koley was born to James and Sandra O’Brien on August 21, 1988. He forever called us the three musketeers. Ever the active child, Koley loved to swim, play soccer, basketball, golf, track, and whatever other sports kept him active. It was in his early teen years that he discovered his true passion in playing, writing, and performing music.
Anyone that knew Koley saw how truly exceptional his song writing and performing skills were; to see him play his music was to see him in his purest form.
Wherever he lived, whether in Winneconne, San Francisco, Minneapolis, or Los Angeles, he amassed loyal and valuable lasting friendships due to his charisma and genuine love for life.
Koley is survived by his parents, James and Sandy O’Brien; his sister, Angela O’Brien Kestell and brother-in-law, Douglas Kestell, and their three children, Aubrey, Oren, and Isabella; his honorary brothers, Mike DeAngelo and Jim Fairchild; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends who he loved spending time with.
A visitation for family and friends will be on Saturday, April 20, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home 904 E. Main St. Winneconne. A Christian funeral service will be held on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Mark Albrecht officiating. In the future there will be a celebration of life.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial for the Winneconne High School Music Program is being established.
Written by Koley O’Brien: “Beneath my skin is a shield which protects a flowery field surrounding my heart, and it beats like an Army.”
“And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make…”
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.
Jim Neuber wrote on April 22, 2019
Dear Jim and Sandy - my deepest sympathies go out to with your loss. I only met Koley one time at Cindy and Gary's trailer. Even though it was only once, I remember his upbeat personality and smile. May God comfort you in in this trying time.
Kathleen Mutschler wrote on April 20, 2019
Your news has been devastating. Since your call last week, I carry you with me through my day, wonder how you're doing. I can't imagine what this is like for you to loose your son. So handsome, with talent most of us dreamed we had. A future of hope and so much life to be lived.
I never had the opportunity to meet Koley, I know now though, that the harmony in heaven is exquisite with a perfect twist.
Please know that everyday I pray for you and your beautiful family living through such tragedy. May you be wrapped in the
Lord's arm's, where you'll have comfort only known by you. You have all the prayers and love that I can extend, until the next time we get together.
I love you Sandy,
Kathleen
Ron and Janet Becker wrote on April 20, 2019
Our condolences to Koley's family. Our prayers are with you.
Celia Zeinert wrote on April 19, 2019
I am so devastated to learn of the loss of Koley. He was truly a kind and talented person; I was in awe of his talents ever since he was young. He will be very missed, but his music will remain his legacy to the world. We are all better for having known him.
Scott and Brenda Van Dinter wrote on April 19, 2019
So sorry for your lose. Our deepest sympathies.
Josef Gray wrote on April 18, 2019
Jim and Sandy-
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Koley was one of the finest people I ever met.
Patty English wrote on April 18, 2019
Dear Jim, Sandy and Family,
Shane called me yesterday with the tragic news. My heart is breaking for you. I can only imagine the pain that you are enduring and I know there is nothing I can say or do to ease that pain and loss. There are no words for a loss so deep. Koley was charming, handsome, talented and charismatic. I still remember sitting in your living room with our boys, guitars in hand, jamming and singing as if they had been doing it for years, like brothers, even though they hadn't known each other long. That is one of the special memories I will cherish...smiles and laughter and music bringing good people together. I will keep you in my prayers. I pray that you feel God's loving arms wrapped around you and that He carries you when you feel you can't do it on your own. I believe Koley is up there right now, smiling, laughing, singing and jamming ....with good people.
With Love and Prayers,
Patty
Brian and Terri Crass wrote on April 18, 2019
Dear Jim and Sandy,
Our hearts are broken over the tragic loss of Koley. We feel so lucky to have known him and to have such special memories with him.......streetball, Yellowstone vacation, soccer, his music, and countless more. We had just run into him a few months ago at Woodeyes and he was genuinely happy to see us and definitely brightened our day....as Koley could always do. No words can adequately express our deepest sympathy for your loss....and the loss of such a bright light on this earth. God must have had better plans for him and I’m sure his light is shining even brighter in Heaven. Sending our love and prayers to you and your family.
Brenda Schrader wrote on April 18, 2019
My dear Sandy - I feel genuinely heart broken at your loss. Though I never met Koley, I feel as though I've known him for years. I am sending you love and hugs with message. Mark and I are going to Racine to see his mother this weekend so I am unable to make the service for Koley. Please take care my friend - let me know if there is anything I can do.....even if it's just listening.
Debbie (Neveau) and Brad Colson wrote on April 18, 2019
Dearest Sandy,
We are so very, very sorry for your loss. My heart is breaking for you and Jim. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest sympathies.....
Amy (Bell) Craig wrote on April 18, 2019
Dear Jim and Sandy: I will always remember when either of you talked about your beloved Koley, your whole face would smile and light up with excitement, smiling ear to ear -the love you have for him was so very apparent. My heart is breaking for you both. May the peace which surpasses all human understanding guard your hearts and minds in Jesus. Amen.
Michael Hoernke wrote on April 18, 2019
Jim and Sandra sorry for your loss. Koley must of been a great guy. It is sad to loose someone you love but to loose a child. You have our prayers.
Valerie Sprung wrote on April 17, 2019
My heart goes out to the family and friends.
Lori and Scott Kieper wrote on April 17, 2019
Such a sad day to learn of your passing. Heaven has gained another AWESOME angel! Say hi to your cousin Andy.
God be with both of you, Sandy and Jim! All our Love