CROSS PLAINS - Michael M. O'Brien, age 72, of Cross Plains, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at his home surrounded by family. He was born on March 26, 1951, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, the son of William and Helen (Kiefer) O'Brien.

Michael graduated from Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein, Illinois and attended the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater. He married Debra Collman on May 21, 1983, in Madison, Wisconsin.

Michael worked for Octopus Car Wash for 28 years. He began his career there as the Chemical Manager then became the General Manager until his retirement in 2008.

Michael never missed an opportunity to play golf and was a member of Deer Valley Golf Club. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Legion and was always willing to help with numerous committees, including the Oratorical and Scholarship programs for youth in the community. He had a Flag Route with the American Legion for the placing of flags on major holidays and often volunteered for the Legion Metal Drive. Michael was an avid sports fan. He especially liked attending and watching the Badgers football and basketball games, as well as the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Bears.

Michael is survived by his wife of 40 years, Debra (“Deb”) O’Brien; his son, Matthew O'Brien (“Pal”), (fiancée, Brittany Charles); daughter, Lindsey M. O'Brien (“Peanut”); grandson, Alexzander (Zander) Nance (“Little Man”); two sisters, Maureen (Roger) Crill and Kathleen (Jeff) Nelson; brother, Timothy (Melissa) O’Brien; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Kevin O’Brien; and mother-in-law, Martha Hueter.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, with Father Tom Kelley presiding. Family and friends who wish to view the Mass via LIVESTREAM may visit Michael’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com at the time of the Mass and click on Watch Now in the Webcast section. A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON CROSS PLAINS FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday.

Memorials may be made to t2t.org (Tunnel to Towers Foundation) or stjude.org (St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital).

Special thanks to Dr. Everton and her staff and Dr. Lubner and Meredith, APNP, of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center Medical Oncology Clinic and the “Human Angels” from Agrace HospiceCare for their compassionate care.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Cross Plains

Funeral & Cremation Care
2421 Church Street
(608) 798-3141

Michael M. O'Brien

March 26, 1951 - March 14, 2024

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