Michael O'Brien passed away peacefully at home on Monday, November 2, 2026, following an extended illness.

Michael attended Hesperia High School and went on to work for White Cloud Manufacturing Co. in White Cloud, Michigan, where he remained until his retirement. He and his beloved wife, Helen, were married for 58 wonderful years, sharing a life filled with love, companionship, family, horses, and countless memories.

A hardworking man who loved keeping busy, Michael enjoyed tinkering in his garage, working with tractors (especially Farmalls), and attending the Buckley Old Engine Show. He and Helen were rarely apart, sharing a passion for horseback riding and spending many years with various riding clubs, including the Hungerford Trail Riders Association, where they made lifelong friends and countless memories. Together, they traveled throughout Michigan with their horses, including his beloved Magic, who was by his side for 31 years. He also owned a deer processing business, where his famous venison jerky and sausage were favorites among family and friends. He enjoyed morel mushroom hunting, playing his guitar, singing, and most of all, spending time with his grandchildren. A natural storyteller with a great sense of humor, he was always ready with a joke or a familiar story (whether true or not!) that brought laughter to those around him.

Michael is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Helen O'Brien; his daughter, Tina (Glenn) McLain, and their three children, Kelsey Lentz (children Matthew, Weston, and Preslee), Matthew (Maddie) Lentz (children Theo and Holland), and Logan McLain; his son, Dale (Brenda) Winright, their seven children, and numerous great-grandchildren; and his son, Michael S. O'Brien, his children, Michael S. O'Brien Jr. (two great-grandchildren) and Kenya O'Brien (two great-grandchildren). He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Gail (Dan) Campbell, their children and grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Bonnie, Lucy, Daisy, Leona, and Betty; his brother, Leroy; his mother-in-law, Sylvia; his sister-in-law, Kathy; his brother-in-law, Paul, his daughter in law Deb, and beloved great-grandchild of Matthew and Maddie Lentz.

Michael leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, friendships, and memories that will be cherished for generations. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be determined and announced at a later date.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Michael's online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.