Obituary
Dave O'Brien/David B. O'Brien, P.E. of Hales Corners, WI, died May 2, 2025, at age 90 of cancer. Preceded in death by Kathy (nee Bonnie Kelly), loving wife of 65 years. \
Survived by daughter Connie Anderson, sons Kelly and Jack O'Brien; six grandchildren: Jessie Olin (Robert), Adrian O'Brien, Cory Borkowski (Shea), Alexa O'Brien (John), David Anderson and Sarah Anderson; three great-grandchildren: Bob and Henry Olin, and Kira Borkowski.
Born July 28 in Detroit, MI; raised in Amasa, MI. Graduated from Hematite Twp. Schools (now Forest Park School, Crystal Falls, MI). Received B.S.E., University of Michigan 1957, and M.S. (mechanical engineering), Villanova University, 1963.
Dave was employed by RCA, Moorestown, NJ, (1957-63) as an aerospace engineer, where he designed radar components for the BMEWS system. He moved to Martin Marietta (nuclear div.), Baltimore, MD (1963-69), where he designed space-based radioisotopic thermoelectric generators and their nuclear fuel capsules, and fuel handling equipment.
Some of his designs led to successful Voyager I and II missions, which collected and transmitted data from our solar system and are now exploring deep space. In 1969 he was brought to the Milwaukee area by Allis Chalmers as an Engineering Supervisor for Ground Support Equipment (serving aerospace-based fuel cells), until the company left that field later that year.
Reluctant to move again, Dave attempted to introduce new technology to the Hales Corners area. He set up Copy Corner, a copying and duplicating shop, and later became a full service printer. Much of his equipment he built himself. He later taught design and drafting at MATC, and worked as a mechanical design consultant from 1985 until his retirement in 2003.
He took up running for his health late in life, and joined Badgerland Striders Running Club in 1987. An avid volunteer, he revived Firecracker Four, and served as race director for 14 years. He revived the Corn Roast Fun Run in the summer of 1991, and organized Daves' Fun Run in 2005.
He wrote over 100 articles for The Strider, and in 2000 was awarded Road Runner's Club of America's Club Writer of the Year award in Peachtree City, GA. He was elected the club's volunteer of the year in about 2002, and awarded life membership in the club the same year.
Volunteering became his source of life fulfillment. He served as president of Hales Corners Chamber of Commerce in 1971, he and Kathy helped initiate Hales Corners Historical Society in 1974. More recently he has helped with not only the Historical Society, but Amasa (MI) 125th Celebration Run, Hales Corners Ice Rink, Ice Age Trail Alliance, Jewish Community Center, Present Music, St. Mary Parish, Stahl-Conrad Homestead, University of Michigan Club of Milwaukee, and United Performing Arts Fund.
At Clement Manor's Center for Enrichment (CFE) he initiated their Walking in the Woods class, and served as walk leader for 13 years. He also originated and taught several new classes at CFE.
He puttered a lot with mechanical devices, electronics, and music. Searching to revive the Finnish culture he missed from Amasa, he constructed a kantele and came up with several new designs for the instrument. He was disappointed in life by not bringing his Electric Kazoo Marching Band to fruition, but who can forget the Dave O'Brien Bassoon and Harmonica Band that played in both St Patrick's Day Parades? His most recent project has been a series of musical chords, and change chords due to wind action.
One of his developments in the nuclear field was the "nailhead" impact resistant ceramic vent to release helium gas from a nuclear fuel capsule. Another was a 200 mph rocket sled impact test facility that achieved a 98% test success record. In 1975 in Hales Corners he led a 40 person volunteer team to construct a pedestrian bridge over Whitnall Park Creek near 116th and Janesville Road. He also directed traffic studies and raised funds to complete the "Bikecentennial" pedestrian/bike path from Edgerton Elementary school to 116th St., which has since been extended along Grange Avenue.
No formal funeral will be held, but a wake/celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 28th at Whitnall Park picnic area 5 from noon to 4 or so. Open house picnic style, close to parking lot for our older friends, but right on trails for the walker and runner friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hales Corners Historical Society, 5885 S. 116th St., Hales Corners, WI 53130
Survived by daughter Connie Anderson, sons Kelly and Jack O'Brien; six grandchildren: Jessie Olin (Robert), Adrian O'Brien, Cory Borkowski (Shea), Alexa O'Brien (John), David Anderson and Sarah Anderson; three great-grandchildren: Bob and Henry Olin, and Kira Borkowski.
Born July 28 in Detroit, MI; raised in Amasa, MI. Graduated from Hematite Twp. Schools (now Forest Park School, Crystal Falls, MI). Received B.S.E., University of Michigan 1957, and M.S. (mechanical engineering), Villanova University, 1963.
Dave was employed by RCA, Moorestown, NJ, (1957-63) as an aerospace engineer, where he designed radar components for the BMEWS system. He moved to Martin Marietta (nuclear div.), Baltimore, MD (1963-69), where he designed space-based radioisotopic thermoelectric generators and their nuclear fuel capsules, and fuel handling equipment.
Some of his designs led to successful Voyager I and II missions, which collected and transmitted data from our solar system and are now exploring deep space. In 1969 he was brought to the Milwaukee area by Allis Chalmers as an Engineering Supervisor for Ground Support Equipment (serving aerospace-based fuel cells), until the company left that field later that year.
Reluctant to move again, Dave attempted to introduce new technology to the Hales Corners area. He set up Copy Corner, a copying and duplicating shop, and later became a full service printer. Much of his equipment he built himself. He later taught design and drafting at MATC, and worked as a mechanical design consultant from 1985 until his retirement in 2003.
He took up running for his health late in life, and joined Badgerland Striders Running Club in 1987. An avid volunteer, he revived Firecracker Four, and served as race director for 14 years. He revived the Corn Roast Fun Run in the summer of 1991, and organized Daves' Fun Run in 2005.
He wrote over 100 articles for The Strider, and in 2000 was awarded Road Runner's Club of America's Club Writer of the Year award in Peachtree City, GA. He was elected the club's volunteer of the year in about 2002, and awarded life membership in the club the same year.
Volunteering became his source of life fulfillment. He served as president of Hales Corners Chamber of Commerce in 1971, he and Kathy helped initiate Hales Corners Historical Society in 1974. More recently he has helped with not only the Historical Society, but Amasa (MI) 125th Celebration Run, Hales Corners Ice Rink, Ice Age Trail Alliance, Jewish Community Center, Present Music, St. Mary Parish, Stahl-Conrad Homestead, University of Michigan Club of Milwaukee, and United Performing Arts Fund.
At Clement Manor's Center for Enrichment (CFE) he initiated their Walking in the Woods class, and served as walk leader for 13 years. He also originated and taught several new classes at CFE.
He puttered a lot with mechanical devices, electronics, and music. Searching to revive the Finnish culture he missed from Amasa, he constructed a kantele and came up with several new designs for the instrument. He was disappointed in life by not bringing his Electric Kazoo Marching Band to fruition, but who can forget the Dave O'Brien Bassoon and Harmonica Band that played in both St Patrick's Day Parades? His most recent project has been a series of musical chords, and change chords due to wind action.
One of his developments in the nuclear field was the "nailhead" impact resistant ceramic vent to release helium gas from a nuclear fuel capsule. Another was a 200 mph rocket sled impact test facility that achieved a 98% test success record. In 1975 in Hales Corners he led a 40 person volunteer team to construct a pedestrian bridge over Whitnall Park Creek near 116th and Janesville Road. He also directed traffic studies and raised funds to complete the "Bikecentennial" pedestrian/bike path from Edgerton Elementary school to 116th St., which has since been extended along Grange Avenue.
No formal funeral will be held, but a wake/celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 28th at Whitnall Park picnic area 5 from noon to 4 or so. Open house picnic style, close to parking lot for our older friends, but right on trails for the walker and runner friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hales Corners Historical Society, 5885 S. 116th St., Hales Corners, WI 53130
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