Jacob O’Brien, 34, Owatonna
Jacob Matthew O’Brien, of Owatonna, MN, died on May 30, 2024, of injuries he received in a tragic motorcycle crash. He was 34.
He was born in Owatonna on Dec. 16, 1989, to Ralph O’Brien and Lisa (Kubat) O’Brien. He attended schools in Owatonna and graduated in 2008.
After graduation, Jake attended Michigan Technological University and Minnesota State University, Mankato, pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering.
He married his life partner and love of his life Caitlin Hedberg at Oakview Weddings and Events Center on Oct. 19, 2018, a beautiful, windy fall day. Together they have three children, Corbin, Scarlett and Milo.
Jake worked nine years as a software engineer, most recently at IV Media.
He was a handyman with an eye for precision and detail who could fix or build just about anything. Jake was the family mechanic, taking calls and texts whenever a car needed repairs. His hobbies included hunting and fishing, as well as being outdoors riding a 4-wheeler, motorcycle, snowmobile, dirt bike or go-cart.
Jake loved an adventure, from whitewater rafting and horseback riding in the Gulf to trying new foods. He and Caitlin served Mexican food at their wedding reception, a first for many of the guests.
Jake was a Boy Scout troop leader, teaching kids the same skills he used to help his own family. His latest project – which will be completed by family and friends, using Jake’s blueprints – was to rebuild the family’s swing set, adding lots of fun things.
Together, he and Corbin were an unbeatable team of Boy Scout popcorn-sellers and pinewood derby car-builders.
He was a great “girl dad,” dancing with Scarlett at her recitals and patiently allowing his fingernails to be painted bright pink. Scarlett will treasure the dollhouse Jake built for her Christmas of 2022.
Milo is the spitting image of his dad, with a shock of reddish blonde hair, bright blue eyes and a really sweet smile. Milo took his first steps just last week.
Jake was a great cook and baker – he made fabulous cinnamon rolls – and loved spending time with his children. He and Caitlin often sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “You Are My Sunshine” to the kids, making them “their” songs.
Jake is survived by his wife, Caitlin; children, Corbin, Scarlett and Milo; mother, Lisa Ackerman; stepfather Steve Ackerman; father, Ralph (Penny) O’Brien; brother, Derek (Lizz) O’Brien; stepbrother, Joel (Madonna) Ackerman; stepsister, Kim (Chris) Grabher; nephews, Brody O’Brien, Wyld Ackerman, Brantley and Bennett Grabher; nieces, Nyomi and Scarlet Ackerman and Brielle Grabher; grandparents, Lenore O’Brien and Alvin (and Sharon) Kubat.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Edward O’Brien, and uncle Stephen Kubat.
Friends may greet the family from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at the Brick-Meger Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church.
The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 6, 2024 at New Life Community Church, 160 28th St. NE, Owatonna, with Pastor Joel Stauffer presiding. For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com.