Mary Beth (Flugstad) O’Brien, 80, of Black River Falls, WI, left this world peacefully on April 16, 2026, at Our
House Senior Living – Eau Claire Memory Care, following a long and graceful journey with Alzheimer’s
disease.
Mary was born on May 27, 1945, in Black River Falls to Gertrude and Robert Flugstad. She graduated from
Black River Falls High School in 1963, where she excelled in forensics, drama, and music. She went on to
attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison, earning a bachelor’s degree in communications.
She began her career with the American Heart Association in Cincinnati, where she had the unique opportunity
to meet Dr. Christiaan Barnard following his groundbreaking work performing the first human heart transplant.
She later accepted a position in Detroit with the Arthritis Foundation.
In 1981, Mary married Jim O’Brien, and the couple eventually returned to Black River Falls. There, they
established O’Brien’s Pub and lovingly cared for her aging parents. In 1983, they welcomed their daughter,
Amanda.
Mary began working at Black River Memorial Hospital in 1987, where she played a key role in establishing the
public relations and volunteer services departments. She went on to serve as Manager of Public Relations and
Volunteer Services until her retirement in 2009.
Her dedication to service extended far beyond her professional life. Mary was a founding member of Jackson
County Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, an active participant in community health initiatives, and a leader in
numerous organizations. She served on the Board of Directors for the Black River Falls Area Foundation; was
the first female President of the Black River Falls Rotary Club and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. In
2006, she was recognized as one of the Jackson County Women in History. She also generously gave her time to
the Black River Area Chamber of Commerce, the Tuesday Club, and many community fundraising efforts.
Following her retirement, Mary authored a book on the history of the Black River Falls Area Foundation, a
project she was especially proud to complete.
Mary’s smile could light up a room, and she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, service, and connection. She
loved her family deeply, and one of her greatest joys in life was becoming a grandmother. She cherished her
grandsons beyond measure.
She is survived by her daughter, Amanda (Tyler) Gunn of Black River Falls; her sister, Patty (Terry) Hopkins;
her grandchildren, Jack and Tommy Gunn; her sister-in-law, Joy Flugstad of Cincinnati; her brother-in-law,
David Swender of Appleton; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim; her brother, John Flugstad; and her sister, Katy
Swender.
Arrangements are being handled by Torgerson Funeral Home. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on May
2 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Skyline in Black River Falls.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Our House Memory Care and Moments Hospice of Eau
Claire for their compassionate care of this very special woman.