Michael Guy O'Brien

Michael Guy O’Brien, 49, of Rockton, Illinois, beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend, went to his eternal home on Friday, August 19, 2022, amidst a powerful thunderstorm. Mikey was born on November 6, 1972, in Rockford, Illinois, the second son of Patrick and Linda (McCubbin) O’Brien. Mikey grew up in Roscoe and loved playing sports when he was younger. He had incredible athleticism. He was brave and fearless, which often led to him getting into mischief. Mikey was a resilient man who faced many obstacles in life but managed to overcome them. He endured a head injury when he was seven years old and had to wear a helmet for a while. Then on October 18, 1997, he was in a motorcycle accident and sustained a traumatic brain injury while thankfully wearing a helmet. After several months, he prevailed over the doctors' prognosis and was able to come home. He eventually moved into Rockton and worked various jobs with friends, including tree removal and cutting wood. Mikey was the proud owner/ operator of Good Wood and was the firewood supplier for many people. He was hardworking and strong. Mikey was recognized all over and a well-known face in the community. He was thoughtful, loving, and generous- often giving people gifts for no particular reason or just offering some candy or chocolates. Mikey definitely had a sweet tooth! He took pleasure in the simplicities of life. On April 18, 2021, Mikey was in another accident. While he did once again prevail over the doctors' prognosis, this time he was unable to come home. He kept hope alive, as did we all, but he was called to his heavenly home first. Special thank you to those who would still visit with Mikey, even though it was not easy. "If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away" - Henry David Thoreau. Mikey definitely marched to the beat of his own drummer and many of our worlds will never be the same without him in them.

Mikey is loved and missed by his mother, Linda O’Brien; his siblings Patrick (Paige) O’Brien, Nathan (Amanda) O’Brien, Elizabeth O’Brien, Daniel (Amanda Wimmer) O’Brien, and Merrie (Brandon Boyd) O’Brien; twelve nieces and nephews: Hailey O’Brien, Maggie O’Brien, Abaigeal O’Brien, Brianna O’Brien, Charlie O’Brien-Schenk, Sammie O’Brien-Schenk, Louisa O’Brien-Schenk, Kastin Henry, Benjamin O’Brien, Danny O’Brien, Emmalynne Daily, and Riolynne O’Brien; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins; step-grandmother, Janice McCubbin; and countless friends.

Mikey is preceded in death by his father, Patrick O’Brien; maternal grandparents, Guy and Eunice McCubbin; paternal grandparents, Edward and Lois O’Brien; and infant brother, Benjamin David O’Brien.

Visitation will be held from 1 PM to 3 PM on Thursday, August 25, 2022, at Cross & Crown Lutheran Church, 7404 Elevator Road, Roscoe, Illinois 61073, with a service to follow at 3 PM with Pastors Megan Vaughan and Dan Herman officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mikey’s honor can be made in care of the family to help with funeral expenses. 

Family and friends may leave online condolences at www.saundersmcfarlin.net

Call Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home for more information at 815-943-5400

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