Gunhild A. O'Brien, 100, of Eau Claire, died on Saturday, January 28, 2012, at her home under the care of St. Joseph's Hospice. She was born on September 16, 1911 to John and Leona (Burton) Olson in Strum. She attended Strum schools and graduated from high school at Gale College in Galesville, WI and from Eau Claire State Teachers College with a B.E. degree. She taught school in Grand View, Strum, Memorial and North High Schools in Eau Claire, and Altoona. On June 30, 1934, she married John E. (Jack) O'Brien at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Eau Claire. Gunhild is survived by her children, John (Josianne) O'Brien of Paris, France and Patrice (Wayne) Neiter of Eau Claire; grandchildren, Cathy (Andreas) Friedl, John (Svetlana) Watson, David (Julie) Watson, Diane (Chris) Blythe, Roger "Skip" (Lisa) Skifstad, Carolyn (Glen) Yaeger, Bridget (Jeff) Mitchell, John O'Brien, and Michael O'Brien; great-grandchildren, Mike, David, Kelly, Adam, and Maksim Watson, Sean and Ryan Blythe, Alex, Christina, and Peter Friedl and Brady, Jack, and Arik Skifstad; sister, Ina Olson of Strum, WI; and several nieces, nephews, and sisters-in-law. She was preceded in death by her husband, John E. (Jack); daughter Maureen (Jim) Watson; parents, John and Leona Olson; sister, Celina Lee; brothers, Lars and Jerre Olson; and grandson, William Skifstad. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 2, 2012, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 322 Fulton St. in Eau Claire with Father William Dhein officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave., and one hour prior to the service at church. Burial will be at St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery in Eau Claire. Memorials are preferred to St. Patrick's Catholic Church.
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