ELIZABETH “BETTY” O’BRIEN
ELIZABETH “BETTY” O’BRIEN
Elizabeth “Betty” Jean O’Brien, 87, passed away peacefully Jan. 27, 2026, in Otsego, MN. She was born April 16, 1938, in Black River Falls, to John and Anna (Clements) Capaul. She was married to Gary O’Brien for 62 years before his passing in 2023.
Betty was born the sixth child in a farm family of seven children near Alma Center, WI. Betty grew up with a strong sense of family and hard work. She attended a rural school from first through eighth grade and then continued her education at Lincoln High School after the family moved into Alma Center when she was 16.
After graduating, Betty attended the Gale Institute and began a lifelong career as a teletype operator. She worked in Chicago before moving to Minneapolis, where she joined International Milling. Betty later married Gary, her beloved husband of 62 years. His career took them briefly to La Crosse, WI, before they made their home in Minneapolis. Betty devoted 28 years of service to General Motors as a teletype operator, where she was respected for her dedication, reliability, and strong work ethic.
In retirement, Betty and Gary relocated to Blaine, where they enjoyed winters in Arizona. Betty remained vibrant and engaged, playing golf, bowling twice a week and participating in a Red Hat group where she made lifelong friends. She also found joy in crafting and playing cards.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Gary; brothers Robert Capaul and Bernard Capaul; sisters Alice Miller, Frances Hayes and Jeanette Bohac.
Betty is survived by her daughter, Beth (Pete) Feldstein; grandchildren Dustin (Alissa) Hoffman and Tyler (Amber) Feldstein; great-grandchildren Kayla and Avery; and sister JoAnn Schroeder.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Mass of Christian burial at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at the Church of St. Andrew, 566 – 4th St NW, Elk River, with visitation starting at 11:30 a.m. There will be a luncheon to follow.
A private burial service will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Alma Center, WI.