John "Buck" O'Brien

John “Buck” O’Brien, a resident of Hastings, NE, passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025. Buck will be fondly remembered for his good heart, quick wit, and the easygoing charm that brought joy to everyone around him.

Born on August 11, 1943, in Columbus, NE, to Elizabeth and Dr. Paul O’Brien. Buck spent his childhood in Orleans. There, he created wonderful friendships and memories, graduating with the Orleans High School Class of 1961.

Following high school, Buck answered the call to serve his country as a member of the United States Navy. He completed boot camp in San Diego before he was stationed aboard the USS Estes AGC-12 in Long Beach, CA. His time with the “Mighty 12” remained a source of pride throughout his life.

After completing his military service, Buck began a career with the CB & Q Railroad (now BNSF), where he worked for nine years. He finished his career working for UPS. He worked for UPS for 32 years. He built lifelong friendships as a driver; he was kindly known as “UPS John.” After trying to retire, he decided it was not for him. He worked for Thoene Farm Service for many years.

Buck loved everything Nebraska football. He proudly held season tickets and rarely missed a game. Some of his fondest memories and best friendships involved Husker games. Go Big Red!

Family was at the heart of Buck’s life. He was a proud and loving father to his three daughters: Shelly Hinz, Stacey O’Brien (Randal Williams), and Steph Sherrerd (Andy Sherrerd). On September 10, 2005, he married Gaylene Voss and together they built a beautiful life in Burwell and later Hastings. Through their marriage he gained four wonderful stepchildren: Larysa Trone (Tonya Trone), Stephanie Gideon (Will Gideon), Matt Gaukel, and Nate Gaukel (Justine Gaukel). Nothing brought him more pride and happiness than being “Grandpa Buck” to Alec and Elizabeth Hinz, Drew and Max Sherrerd, Abram, Coen, and James Gideon, and Adeline, Michael, and Thomas Gaukel.

Buck is survived by his wife, Gaylene O’Brien of Hastings; three daughters; four stepchildren; ten grandchildren; twin brother, Jim of Spalding, NE; brother, Larry of Cook, NE; and many other family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Elizabeth O’Brien; brothers, Jerry and Patrick; and granddaughter, Jessica Hinz.

Buck made the honorable decision to donate his body to UNMC for educational purposes.

A Celebration of Life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 13, at Butler Volland Chapel in Hastings. Burial will be at Orleans Cemetery in Orleans, NE with his parents and brothers. There will be no viewing or visitation. Memorials may be given to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital or Start Over Rover. The service will be live-streamed on Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home’s website. To view the service, go to Buck’s obituary and click the play button shown toward the bottom of the page.