David Leo O’Brien

YANKTON, S.D. — David Leo O’Brien, 79, Yankton, S.D., died Sept. 24, 2021, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, while his children, Todd and Debbie, were holding his hand.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10 a.m., Oct. 1, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Yankton, with Rev. Bob Lacey officiating.

Inurnment will follow at the Garden of Memories Cemetery, Yankton. A celebration of David’s wonderful life will be held at Hillcrest Country Club, Yankton, following the inurnment from noon-3 p.m.

David was born April 13, 1942, in Randolph, to Leo and Helen (Leiting) O’Brien. David’s father originally came to the area by the Orphan Train. David grew up in the Randolph area and graduated from St. Frances High School, Randolph. He married the love of his life, Kathleen Kirby, Sept. 8, 1962, in Bloomfield. The couple recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary, where Dave claimed he was finally, fully trained.

David’s first job was as a beekeeper, then he purchased the Cork ‘n Bottle in 1972. After he sold the Cork ‘n Bottle, he went to work for Don Peterson at Yaggie’s Inc. Grain and Feed, Yankton, as a manager for 35 years. David retired from Yaggie’s in 2011.

Throughout his adult life, David was actively involved in the local and state communities, serving as both Yankton City Commissioner and Mayor. Kathy and David also served together on the Board of the Yankton Contact Center. Governor George Mickelson appointed David to the South Dakota State Cement Plant Board and was president during his many years of service. Additionally, David was the Vice President of Internal Affairs for the Yankton Area Chamber of Commerce, as well as a member of the Interstate Commerce Commission National Grain Car Council. A golf enthusiast, David served on the Board of South Dakota Golf Association, and was president of the board at one time.

David thoroughly enjoyed his daily routine, which involved golfing, playing Scrabble with Kathy each afternoon, and spending time with family and friends. In early September, David enjoyed the weekend playing rounds of golf with his son, Todd, and grandsons, Sam and Nick. He beat them all.

David is survived by his wife, Kathy, Yankton, S.D.; daughter, Deborah (Greg) Toste, San Antonio, Texas, and their two children, Nicholas (Tosha) and Kelsey; son, Todd (Susan) O’Brien, Sioux City, Iowa, and their five children, Samuel, Marlee and Olivia O’Brien, and Paulsen and John Fey; and brother, Keith (Lois) O’Brien, Lincoln.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Helen O’Brien.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the family to several charities of their choice.