Gerald Walter O’Brien, 87, of Sweet Home, Oregon passed away Friday, May 29, 2020. He was born in Sandpoint, Idaho to Richard and Erma (Bennett) O’Brien.

Jerry graduated from Mary M. Knight High School in Matlock, Washington. He served three years in the United States Army and received an Honorable Discharge on August 16, 1953. He received the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Occupational Medal (Germany).

He met Grace Allen and they were married on March 15, 1957. Jerry loved Grace deeply and always bragged on her cooking.

Jerry worked as a laborer on both Green Peter and Foster Dams. When his work on the dams was completed, he decided not to follow construction jobs any longer. He went to work for Willamette Industries and retired from there.

He loved the Sweet Home area and knew it would be a great place for his family.

Jerry had a great outlook on life, always seeing the good in most everything. He loved his family deeply.

His favorite hobbies were hunting and going cat fishing. He would travel to Brownlee Reservoir every summer catching catfish.

Jerry is survived by daughter Susan O’Brien (Dan Adams) ; sons: David O’Brien (Tammy) both of Sweet Home, James O’Brien of Oahu, Hawaii; eight grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and nine great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Grace Alene Allen; one sister; and five brothers.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements.