Russell Emmett (OB) O'Brian

Russell Emmett (OB) O'Brian, 79, of Hudson, passed away at his home Thursday,  June 4, 2026. He was born January 9, 1947, in rural Black Hawk County, son of Richard G. and  Gertrude A. (Van Tasell) O'Brian. He graduated from Hudson High School in 1966.  

He married Celeste A. Bemus on April 9, 1967, at St. Timothy Lutheran Church,  Hudson. Over the years, Russell was a master carpenter, always building, always fixing. Russell  was a volunteer at the Hudson Fire Dept and member of Nazareth Lutheran Church, Cedar  Falls.  

He is survived by his wife Celeste A. O'Brian of Hudson; two daughters, Lorelei Tack of  Hudson and Julianne (Michael) O'Connor of Harrisburg, SD; five grandchildren, Joshua (Blake)  Tack, Karli (Dylan) Tams, Ashley, Logan, and Dylan O'Connor; three great grandchildren,  Emmett, Quinn, plus one, and Myla; brother, Dean (Paula) O'Brian of Topeka, KS. Russell is  preceded in death by his parents and sister Donna (Charles) Braatz.  

Services were held on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Nazareth Lutheran Church, Cedar  Falls.  

Committal services will be in the Hudson Cemetery and Celebration of Life at the  Hudson AmVets will be at a later date.  

Memorials are directed to the Hudson Fire Department.  

Russell was a quiet, gentle man who understood commitment and his role in life. If you  were his friend, you were his friend forever. If you are Family, his love for you "always" existed  and could not be shaken.  

When Russ saw a need, he began immediately to plan how to meet the need, solve the  problem, find the solution. He was the "fix it" man from broken toys to broken hearts.  We will miss the outdoor adventures he loved. Each one had to end with everyone  telling stories around the campfire.  

The memories of life we shared during our journey with this quiet, gentle man on earth  will sustain us until we are together again.  

Locke Funeral Services is in charge of services. Condolences may be left at  www.LockeFuneralServices.com.