John Thomas O'Brien

John Thomas O’Brien, 76, of Richland Center, WI, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 15, 2025 at Agrace Hospital in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, surrounded by his family. John was born on November 1, 1948 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to John F. O’Brien and Elizabeth (Forken) O’Brien. John grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from West Allis High School in 1967. He served in the military as an artillery gunman during the Vietnam war with the First Calvary Division and received many honorable merits, including two Purple Hearts and a Distinguished Flying Cross. He was honorably discharged in 1969. After the service, John had several careers, including working for the Wisconsin Republican Party at the State Capital and the Wisconsin Agri-Dairy Business. Throughout his life, John was an avid outdoorsman, hunter, fisherman, and conservationist. He was a talented photographer and woodworker, and loved sharing his work with others. He passionately pursued making Richland Center, WI, the first ever designated “Purple Heart City” in the United States, as well as advocating for and supporting the building of the Richland County Veterans Memorial Park, honoring more than 8300 local veterans. He married Kathleen O’Brien (Caudill) on February 12, 1977. Together, they built a beautiful family, home, and gardens. They raised two girls, Elizabeth and Meagan, who both graduated from Ithaca High School. John loved being a part of the Ithaca family, being involved with his girl’s education, sports, and musical activities. They remained in their home, enjoying the quiet solitude after the girls went to college. John is survived by his wife Kathy and his daughters, Meagan (Nick) Colangelo, Elizabeth O’Brien, Brother-in-law, Dan Caudill and Sister-in-law, Kim Caudill, and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John O’Brien and Elizabeth O’Brien (Forken), and in-laws, Norm and Lois Caudill. A small celebration of life and burial will be held at Memorial Park in Brookfield, WI at a later time to be decided by the family. Arrangements are being managed by the Clary Memorial Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, WI, or the local Richland Center VFW. .

John Thomas O'Brien

November 1, 1948 - August 15, 2025