Robert William O'Brien, Sr.

Robert William (Bob) O'Brien, Sr., age 79, Oregon, Wisconsin, passed peacefully Friday, October 18, 2013, at Meriter Hospital in Madison, WI. Bob was supported during his extended hospital stay spiritually, mentally, and physically 24/7 by his wife, children and some of his local grandchildren. Bob underwent a cardiac conduit surgery, being the first person in Wisconsin to have this surgery performed. Bob had looked extensively for procedures to improve and extend the quality of his life so he could continue to spend time with and enjoy his large family. He researched the conduit surgery, looking for physicians and locations that could perform this surgery. His surgery on April 11, 2013 was over 15 hours and performed by Dr Richard Lee, and his surgical team and supported by his Physician Assistant “Scotty”. During his last weeks with us, Bob told Dr Lee (moving his lips because of his breathing vent) that “they tried” to make the surgery work, and he was sorry that they couldn't fulfill that dream and all the hard work associated with it. Bob established many friendships with people that cared for and supported him while at Meriter, too many to list here, but a couple that were deeply embedded in his heart, Mary, Nate (ICU), Sarah, Derrick, (11th floor) Sharon (his speech therapist and decision maker for his specialty – food and drink) Amy, Anna (Respiratory Therapy). Also a special thanks to Dr. Kutz and Julia R.N., for always advocating for him. Bob was born August, 12, 1934, in Madison. Wisconsin, to William Emmett “Darby” O'Brien (deceased) and Dorothy Chaney O'Brien (deceased). Bob’s siblings are Marvin (deceased); Richard (deceased); Gerald “Jerry” (deceased), Kenneth (deceased). John (Jack) surviving. Bob attended St Patrick's School, Madison East High School and the University of Illinois Music School in Chicago. While attending school in Chicago, Bob met the “love of his life” Margaret Joerger. They became united in marriage on August 6, 1954 and celebrated 59 years of love. From this love, they had 8 children: Kathleen (Christopher Sr) Rideout of Madison, WI; Robert Jr., (Nancy) of Blue River, WI; Kenneth (Deborah) of Oswego, IL; Michael (Terri) of Verona, WI; James (Patricia) of Evansville, WI; William (Brenda) of Morehead, KY; Dianna (Mark) Bower of Stoughton, WI; Jo-Ann (Douglas) Schorr of Verona. WI; special “adopted son” Markus Kueng (Marlene) and “granddaughters” Sarina and Isabella from Switzerland. Bob was a proud grandfather of 22 grandchildren: Christopher Jr, Therese, Elizabeth, Jeremy, Bradley, Corey, Benjamin, Chad, Joshua, Ryan, Evan, Margaret, Jenna, Fawn, Heather, Sara, Hannah, Mackenzie, Brianna, Zach, Meeghan and Lukas, and 9 great grandchildren with one more on the way. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews, cousins, (Ginny, Marion, Elaine and Nancy (sister-in-laws), and his good girl (dog), “Ginger”. Bob wore many “hats” during his lifetime; he worked for WI Power and Light, and the Waukesha Fire Department, operated his brother Jerry's grocery store, owned and operated his grocery stores and butcher shop – Bob's Market on Milwaukee Street, and Sherman Terrace Superette, drove School Bus and was a Custodian for Monona Grove School District, proud member of AFSCME, Dane County Municipal Employees, Local 60. Bob loved to play in his “big yard” by planting trees, mowing the lawn, helping his favorite flower in the garden-Margaret with purchasing and planting flowers (but Mom had to do all the weeding), always updating/remodeling their home, creating many stained glass projects for family and friends. Bob's celebration of his life will be held, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013 at Gunderson Oregon Funeral Home, 1150 Park St., Oregon, from 5 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a scripture service at 7:45 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Ann's Catholic Church, 324 Harrison Street, Stoughton, on Friday, Oct. 25, 2013, at Noon. Visitation will be held at the church from 11:00 until the time of the Mass. Monsignor Healy and Fr. Budnar will be celebrating the Mass of Christian Burial. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the O'Brien family for distribution to charities of their choice. Online condolences may be left at the Gunderson Funeral Home website. www.gundersonfh.com Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care 1150 Park Street (608)835-3515