Patrick “Pat” Hugh O’Brien

Patrick “Pat” Hugh O’Brien

Patrick (Pat) Hugh O’Brien, age 79, of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, passed away on September 8, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife, daughter and son-in-law.

He is now a full-time minister of Jehovah Witnesses. Despite the grave circumstances confronting him, Pat remained cheerful, funny and optimistic even as he was wheeled into surgery at Milwaukee’s Froedtert Hospital. Pat was born and raised on a Carr Valley farm in LaValle, Wisconsin, to Joseph M. O’Brien and Agnes (Scallon) O’Brien. He attended high school in Madison at Queen of Apostles Seminary. He later graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison after studying the real estate industry. While there, he was a member and president of the Hoofers Riding Club. Pat had both an impressive way with numbers and an excellent rapport with people, always displaying his Irish charm with endless stories, jokes and banter. Those qualities made him a natural for a life in sales, where he spent his entire career running his own firm, Country Land Real Estate. When he wasn’t working, he loved spending time in nature with his family, frequently camping and hiking throughout his life. He lovingly referred to a gorgeous piece of property he owned in Wilton that he simply referred to as “the land.” He went as far as to build on that land the most incredible “shack” anybody could imagine, complete with electricity and a stove, sometimes spending the night in it. Spiritual treasures, however, became more important than his love of the land and the real estate business, and he was baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness in February, 1976. He married Frances Schlieckau in 1982, and together, they shared in many adventures and in full-time ministry for 35 years. Pat also served as an elder for at least two decades.

He is survived by his wife Frances, his daughter Maureen Patricia O’Brien Busalacchi (Steve), and his sister, Monica (O’Brien) McDermott (the late Victor). His sister Marita (O’Brien) Bierhardt (Jack) preceded him in death. He is also survived by cousins, friends, and many brothers and sisters from the Kingdom Hall.

The service will be 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 16th, 2023 at the Kingdom Hall, E 10966 Hatchery Road, in Baraboo, Wisconsin, prior to the service, visitation will be held at the Kingdom Hall from 12 Noon until the time of service.   A luncheon will follow at the UW-Platteville, Baraboo, 1006 Connie Road – Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913

Further details and condolences are on Roseberry’s Funeral Home website roseberrys.com.