Lake Forest Obituary: Richard "Steve" O'Brien, 78

The following obituary is courtesy of Wenban Funeral Home.

Richard “Steve” O’Brien, 78, formerly of Lake Forest, IL, Steve passed away Monday March 30th peacefully at his home with his loving wife Joan by his side, following a brief and courageous battle with brain cancer.
Steve was born in 1936 to Darby and Marie O’Brien in Minneapolis, MN. He graduated from De LaSalle High School in Minneapolis then attended the University of Minnesota on an NROTC scholarship where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business (‘58). Immediately upon graduation he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy where he served in San Diego, CA. Steve and his young family returned to Minneapolis to work for the IBM Corporation. After distinguishing himself as a sales leader at IBM, Steve’s entrepreneurial drive led him and several partners to start a computer consulting firm that is still around today. The family relocated to Lake Forest, IL, in 1972, where Steve began a long career at Onsrud Cutter Mfg. in Libertyville, IL, eventually becoming President, CEO and Chairman of the company. Steve’s desire to build a better company led him to Harvard Business School where he graduated with an executive MBA. His passion for the business and love for his employees created a culture that flourished into one of the worldwide leaders in the cutting tool industry before selling the company and retiring in 2001.
After retirement, Steve and Joan moved from Lake Forest to Chicago for a lifestyle change and loved the city. They later relocated to Traverse City, Michigan and eventually to their home in Pinehurst, NC. Throughout retirement, Steve stayed active mentoring others and volunteering for so many causes that were dear to his heart. The Executive Service Corps; First Tee of Northern Illinois; Chicago Food Depository; SCORE; Father Fred Foundation; The Military Offices Association of American and Coalition for Human Care Southern Pines were all recipients of his talent and generosity.
One of Steve’s many gifts was his fun-loving sense of humor and his ability to build strong personal relationships with so many people. Nothing was more important to him than his family and friends and the times filled with laughter and love while together for special occasions, holidays, and travel. Steve made a conscious effort to gather the extended from afar as frequently as possible to create lasting memories that will be forever cherished by all.
He was preceded in death by his father, Darby; mother, Marie; brother, Hugh; and his sister Margaret (Morris). Surviving to cherish his memory are his wife Joan (Madden) of 33 years, sisters Anne (Senn) and Patricia (Hol), his daughter Shannon Bradley (David), his sons Shawn (Julie), Mark (Barbara), Kevin (Ann), Matthew (Lisa), Brendan (Leslie). Also missing their “Grandpa Goofy” are his grandchildren: Maggie, Kaleigh, Luke, Kenzie, Tate, Stephen, Chloe, Katie, Will. Also mourning the loss, is his former spouse Carolyn O’Brien. Numerous nieces and nephews and many dear friends are left behind who were continually inspired by Steve’s personal interest in their wellbeing.
A wake will be held at Wenban Funeral Home, 320 Vine Ave., Lake Forest, IL on April 17 between 5:00 and 8:00PM, Funeral Mass will be held at Church of St. Mary, 175 E. Illinois Rd., Lake Forest, IL on April 18 at 10:00AM.
Memorials may be made to FirstHeath Hospice and Palliative Care at 21 Campground Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374 and Moore County Veterans Services at 707 Pinehurst Ave Carthage, NC 28327

Link for Wake to RSVP:
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More information about Steve O’Brien at http://www.obrien.mobi