Denny O’Brien, born Dennis John O’Brien on September 23, 1955, in Albia, Iowa to Thomas “Ed”and Bernice (Golden) O’Brien.
He passed away on Saturday April 18, 2026, at the age of 70. Denny settled in Knoxville, where he built a life filled with the love of family, the joy of his passions, and the satisfaction of hard work. Denny was a dedicated laborer in the construction industry until his retirement. His strong work ethic and commitment to his craft were admirable and left a lasting impact on those who worked alongside him. Denny’s passion for life extended beyond his work. He was a man grounded in his love for farming and the tranquility it offered. An avid hunter, he found peace and contentment in nature’s bountiful beauty. Yet, it was his fascination with trains that truly ignited his spirit. Denny’s eyes would light up at the sight of these steel giants, a joy he cherished.
Above all, Denny’s greatest happiness was found in the precious moments spent with his beloved grandchildren. His love for his family was unwavering, and they mattered most to him. Denny was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Bernice O’Brien. He is survived by is wife Sharon O’Brien of Knoxville; children, Bruce, Lisa (Wayne), Angela, and Heather; grandchildren, Harvick, Lucas, Cody, Parker, Deserae, and Mackenzie, and several others; great grandchildren, Ryker, Waylon, and Oakleigh; siblings, Sharon (Mick), Margaret, Marlene (Donnie), Tom, Dale, Donna (Rick); and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and endless nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents, Ed and Bernice O’Brien, two infant brothers.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, opening to the public at 3:30 p.m., with family present from 5-6:30 p.m., at Sinnott Funeral Home in Albia. A funeral service will be held at 6:30 p.m., also on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Sinnott Funeral Home in Albia. Denny will be cremated following services with inurnment to take place at a later date in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Melrose. Memorials may be directed to the family. In honor of Denny’s life, we invite friends and loved ones to share their memories and upload photos to his memorial page. As we remember Denny, let us celebrate the love, joy, and passion he brought into our lives and cherish the memories he left behind.
