Kathryn Sue O’Brien, age 77, passed away peacefully at Ennoble Nursing and Rehabilitation on December 4, 2025 after a long battle with cancer. Kathy was born on January 1, 1948 in Cascade at McQuillan’s Maternity Home to Edward O’Brien and Lois (Evans) O’Brien.  The majority of her life was spent in Maquoketa where she spent time working at the Jack & Jill grocery deli, visiting with friends, riding her bike, and collecting cookie jars. She was proud that artist Rose Frantzen painted her as a fellow resident for her Portrait of Maquoketa project in 2006.

Kathy had 12 siblings and enjoyed family gatherings. She was independent and had a quick sense of humor where she would tease people with one-liners. She enjoyed visiting on the phone and watching westerns on tv.

She is survived by six siblings: Linda (Barry) Nudd, Bellevue, IA, Frank O’Brien, Bellevue, IA, Rhonda Radetzki, Dubuque, IA, Kim Wiese, Plymouth, MN, Robin Ignatowicz, St. Louis Park, MN, and Cliff (Cathy) Morgan, Dubuque, IA; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Lois and siblings John O’Brien, Mary Rose O’Brien, Patrick O’Brien, and Steve Radetzki, Kevin Radetzki, and Fran Spain.

The family would like to thank the Ennoble Manor of Dubuque and Hospice Care Initiatives of Manchester for the love and care given to Kathy.

A private family burial will be held at a later date in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, North Garry Owen.  Behr Funeral Home is assisting Kathy’s family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com