Kathleen L. O’Brien Haddick, 77, of Aledo, Illinois, passed away on May 3, 2026, surrounded by her loving husband and children.
She was born on October 19, 1948, in Burlington, Iowa, to Eva Louise Oaks Neal and Oscar Neal. She entered the world alongside her identical twin sister, Carol Ann, with whom she shared a very special and lifelong bond.
Kathleen grew up in Monmouth and later raised her family in Aledo. She lived a life deeply rooted in her love for the Lord. She served as a source of encouragement and guidance to many, helping countless people find their way to Him. Her life was a reflection of her devotion, and her faith touched all who knew her.
With a true servant’s heart, Kathleen dedicated her life to teaching. After teaching sixth grade at Lincoln Elementary in Monmouth, she spent many years teaching GED classes, where she made a lasting impact on countless lives. Through her patience, encouragement, and unwavering belief in others, she helped many believe in themselves and create futures they didn’t think were possible. After retiring, she continued serving others by working part-time at the Strom Center in Monmouth.
Kathleen was also incredibly creative. She enjoyed writing books and poems, decorating her home, making dolls, and creating rug-pulled artwork—talents made all the more remarkable as she was legally blind.
She also loved her roadtrips with Bob. Whether it was a drive to Branson or Gulf Shores, or even a day trip, she looked forward to spending time with him traveling.
She will be remembered for her compassion, strength, and, above all, her deep devotion—to her faith, her family, her friends, and her students. Kathleen especially cherished her family and loved hosting her children and grandchildren each Christmas Eve. These gatherings were filled with meaningful traditions, including the grandchildren reading passages from the Bible about the birth of Jesus—moments that created lasting and treasured memories. She also shared a special bond with her Bible study group, faithfully hosting weekly gatherings in her home for many years.
She is survived by her husband and devoted caretaker, Robert Haddick; her children, Rachel (Clint) Zimmerman, Kate (Joe) Ham, Matt (Paula) O’Brien, Andrew (Sharon) O’Brien, and Michael (Erin) O’Brien; her 20 beloved grandchildren—Maci, Eva, Quinn, Holt, Rhett, Coy, Isabella, Olivia, Tristan, Trace, Kieran, Avery, Elijah, Liam, Ethan, Ruth, Edith, Abram, Michael, and Elisabeth—who brought her immense joy; as well as dozens of nieces and nephews.
She is also survived by her siblings: Stephen Neal, Lowell (Rose) Neal, Gloria (Gil) Salazar, Carol (Denny) McCrery, and Trevor Neal.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Eva and Oscar Neal, and her sisters-in-law, Christine and Judy.
Kathleen’s legacy lives on in the many lives she uplifted, the students she inspired, and the faith she shared. In death as in life, her legacy is to continue encourage those that don’t know the Lord to seek Him.
Visitation will be held from 2:00–4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, at Speer Funeral Home, with funeral services immediately following. A gathering with meal will be held afterward at the Strom Center in Monmouth. Memorials may be made to the family to support ministry outreach.
