Ed J. O'Brien

Ed J. O’Brien, 50, of Kearney, passed away November 28, 2025, at C.H.I. Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am, December 5, 2025, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church followed by burial at Kearney Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, December 4, 2025, at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Eagle Excellence Football Fund at Chadron State, Kearney Catholic High School Foundation, or Kearney Public School Foundation for Kenwood Elementary School. Ed O’Brien was born, September 27, 1975, in Alexandria, Virginia to James and Reva (Saunders) O’Brien. The family moved to Grand Island in 1977. Ed graduated from Grand Island Central Catholic High School in 1994 and then attended Dana College in Blair. Ed married his high school sweetheart, Denise Preusser, on August 5, 2000, in Grand Island, Nebraska. Together, they built a home filled with love, friendship, and laughter—first in Grand Island and later in Kearney, where they moved in 2009. Becoming a father to Logan and Caleb was Ed’s greatest joy, and he devoted himself to supporting his boys in every way. In 2019, Ed discovered his true calling working with youth—first at Y.R.T.C. in Kearney and most recently at Kenwood Elementary School as the In-School Suspension (ISS) Coordinator. He had a gift for connecting with kids and never hesitated to offer encouragement, guidance, or a dose of humor. Whether mentoring students or offering advice, Ed made young people feel seen and valued. Ed served as President of the Kearney Catholic High School Activities Association and coached countless youth teams through Kearney Little League, Kearney Youth Football League, the YMCA, and travel teams. Coaching wasn’t just a hobby for Ed—it was how he built relationships, shaped character, and supported the next generation. Ed was an avid collector of sports memorabilia, proudly supporting his Washington Redskins and Nebraska Cornhuskers. Ed is survived by his wife, Denise O’Brien of Kearney, sons, Logan and Caleb O’Brien of Kearney, father, Jim O’Brien of Grand Island, sister Tonia (Tim) Luschei of Central City, NE, sister in law, Michelle (Tim) Winkelmann of Seward, NE, brother in law, Scott (Amy) Preusser of Evans, GA, father and mother in law Joe (Therese) Preusser of Elkhorn, NE, niece, nephews, aunts, and uncles. Ed was preceded in death by his mother.

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Ed J. O'Brien

September 27, 1975 - November 28, 2025