Julie O'Brien Smith, age 63, formerly of Gibbon, died Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Valley View Manor in Lamberton.

A funeral service will be at 11am on Monday, January 5, 2026 at Augustana Lutheran Church in Gibbon. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

A visitation will be held from 10am-11am on Monday at the church, prior to the service.

To leave an online condolence for the family, or to sign the guestbook, please visit: www.mvfh.org

Julie Ann Schwarzrock was born October 18th, 1962 to Amos and Delores (Dedo) (King) Schwarzrock. She was raised on a farm with her 3 siblings outside of Gibbon, MN.   Julie graduated from Gibbon High School in 1981 and furthered her education at Mankato State University, majoring in Interior Design.  Julie later got a Business Degree at the University of Alabama.  She was employed as an Interior Designer and worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield, until her retirement.

Julie married Tim O'Brien, and they shared two children together: (Dena O' Brien and Nikolas O'Brien).  They shared many years raising their children together in Alabama. Later the marriage was dissolved.  She later had a long time significant other, Brian Smith and shared close to 20 years together, up until his death in 2023.

Julie is survived by her, daughter, Dena O'Brien (Mitch Alcock) from New Zealand and Son, Nikolas (Nik) O' Brien from Australia, grandson, Hayes O'Brien from New Zealand, and sister, Kathy Thompson from Rogers, MN.  Plus, many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Julie is preceded in death by her parents; Amos and Delores (Dedo) Schwarzrock, brothers, Jeff Schwarzrock and Jerry Schwarzrock and significant other, Brian Smith.

Within the last year, Julie's physical health was beginning to fade; after doctoring for a few months, she was fully diagnosed with a life-threatening diagnosis of (PLS) Primary Lateral Sclerosis, which took her life way too soon.

Julie enjoyed her time with family and close friends, playing piano, cooking, reading, watching movies, gardening, shopping, fashion and interior design.

She will be greatly missed by those who knew her.  Blessed be her memory.