D. Gregg O'Brien

FITCHBURG – D. Gregg O’Brien, age 77, of Fitchburg, passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 18, 2017, at Agrace HospiceCare.  He was born on Aug. 7, 1940, in Madison, the son of Gordon and Helen (Bebeau) O’Brien.  Gregg married the love of his life, Virginia “Gina” Ward on March 3, 1962, in Hollywood Calif., spending 55 years together.  He graduated from Madison West High School in 1958, and immediately entered the workforce.  Gregg was an entrepreneur and started the O’Brien Sewing Center in 1962, and Badger Utility in 1976, with partner William Statz (deceased 1998).  In 2006, he sold Badger Utility to then partner with Richard Bloomquist and employees Todd Scheffler and David Batterman.   Gregg was an Irishman and a storyteller!  He enjoyed being a pilot, driving fast cars and motorcycles, attending Badgers sporting events and spending time with friends and family.  During retirement, he could be found enjoying a cup of coffee with a friend, entertaining his grandchildren with mule rides around their property, traveling the country with Virginia in their motor coach and wintering with great friends in Indio, Calif.  Gregg is survived by his wife; three daughters, Kelly M. O’Brien and her daughter, Virginia, Katharine M.O. (David) Batterman and their children, Regan, Maggie and Ryan, and Julie C. (Bob White) O’Brien and son, Kien O’Brien Ruiz; and sister, Colleen M. O’Brien.  He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers-in-law, Donald J. Ward and Garret Wensel; and mother-in-law, Julia Ward Canon.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, with Father Michael Radowicz presiding.  Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery.  Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, and the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin, 517 North Segoe Road, Suite 301, Madison.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.  Gina invites family, friends and business associates to ERIN’S SNUG IRISH PUB, 4601 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53718, for food, drink and storytelling from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday.