MAJ Jeffrey O'Brien

With deep sorrow and immense pride, we remember and honor Major Jeffrey R. O’Brien (Jeff), 45, who passed away on March 1, 2026 while serving his country in Kuwait. His loss is felt profoundly by his family, fellow service members, friends, and the many lives he touched.

A visitation will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2026 at Valley Church, 4343 Fuller Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Valley Church. Interment will follow at Iowa Veterans Cemetery.

Born on October 13, 1980, Jeff grew up on a farm near Coggon, Iowa, the oldest of three brothers. During his early years, Jeff loved spending time on the farm, especially with his Grandma and Grandpa O’Brien, two people who Jeff cared for and influenced him greatly.

A multi-sport athlete, Jeff participated in baseball, basketball, track, and cross country. He loved playing his saxophone-especially in the pep and jazz bands, spending time serving his church and community, and cheering on the Cubs — remaining a loyal Cubs fan through every season, often joking, “Well, there’s always next year.”

Jeff graduated from North-Linn High School in 1999. A lifelong interest in computers and technology led him to Iowa State University, where he earned a degree in Computer Engineering. Jeff went on to build a well-respected career and reputation in cybersecurity.

During Jeff’s time in Ames, he met Roxane Hammer through friends on his I.S.P.A. pool team. A year later, the two started dating and quickly fell in love. They were married on August 15, 2009 and spent the next 16 years working together to build a family and a life they loved.

Those closest to Jeff knew his greatest pride and joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father of three, and an amazing friend. Jeff had a gentle spirit, generous heart, and a humility that defined everything he did. He was the kind of person who made others feel safe, valued, and cared for.

Jeff was not only a role model to his children, Samira, Nicolette, and Conor, but also a goofy and playful dad who was always ready to make them laugh. He loved coaching Conor in track, cheering Niki on at her gymnastics meets, and proudly embracing his role as a music and theater dad to Sami, who happened to take up the sax, just like him. Many evenings and weekends were spent at ballfields, competitions, and events, creating memories his family will carry forever.

An adventurous soul, Jeff enjoyed running 5Ks, hunting, spending time outdoors with the people he loved most, and playing with Tracker and Chase, the family dogs. His favorite pastime was simply being with Roxane and the kids, whether traveling, exploring, or sharing quiet moments together as a family.

Jeff was also proud to serve as a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve, assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines. After attending Federal OCS at Ft. Benning, Jeff was commissioned as a Signal Corps Officer in 2012. Jeff was especially proud of earning his functional area as an Information Systems Engineer. Jeff served with dedication and humility and was previously deployed to Kuwait in 2019.

His service was recognized with numerous awards and decorations, including the Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device.

Even while serving thousands of miles away, Jeff always found ways to care for the people he loved. His dedication as a husband, father, soldier, and friend left an enduring impact on everyone who knew him.

Jeff is survived by his beloved wife, Roxane; his children, Samira, Nicolette, and Conor; his parents, Dan and Helen O’Brien; his brothers, David (Ashley) and Greg (Megan); his grandparents, Joseph and Marjorie Gase; his father and mother-in-law, Calvin and Iris Hammer; and many extended family members, friends, co-workers, and fellow soldiers who will forever cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, James and Rose Marie O’Brien; his uncle, David Bohlke, and his cousin, Shaun O’Brien.

Jeff will be remembered as a true hero whose life was defined not only by his uniform, but by the love he gave so freely to his family, his community, and his country.

Those wishing to honor Jeff’s memory may make a donation to Valley Church: https://valleychurchdm.churchcenter.com/giving/to/jeff-o-brien-memorial. Funds will be directed to military-focused organizations, including Our Military Kids and Iowa Service Dogs, continuing Jeff’s legacy of service and care for others.