On Tuesday evening, March 11th, 2025, Eddie O’Bryan, 81, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his wife, sister, and several loved ones, into the merciful arms of Jesus to claim his eternal reward for a life well-lived even after an extended battle with cancer. He was born at home to parents, Joseph Marvin O’Bryan and Margaret (Hodskins) O’Bryan.
Eddie was an exemplary employee of Daramic, Inc. for over 33 years, but will be remembered much more fondly as a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, and cherished friend. He was greatly admired by many and will be deeply missed by not only his family, but also by his Saint Stephen Cathedral family, where he delighted in serving and practicing his Catholic faith as a life-long member. He was unwavering in his commitment and rarely missed the opportunity to attend daily mass and receive the most Holy Eucharist. Among his duties he delighted in training altar servers, for more than 20 years, as well as serving as an acolyte himself for much of his adult life.
In his younger years, he coached Little League, for over 15 years, and served on the ballfield as an umpire for the local Southern Little League.
Anyone that knew him was aware he was a die-hard New York Yankees fan first and foremost, but also followed and cheered for other teams, such as the Cardinals and UK Wildcats. He attended games in the stadiums and arena, when possible, but more often watched from the comfort of his beloved recliner.
Besides morning Mass, his daily ritual included morning prayer, devotions, the rosary, and reading sacred scripture. He enjoyed a healthy balance of comradery with the Men’s Coffee Group, that met each weekday morning at McDonald’s, to share wisdom, wit, and just plain nonsense. Some of this cherished group also engaged with him in the Fantasy Baseball League. He was a devoted fan of both the men’s and women’s Kentucky Wesleyan College Basketball teams. Eddie was a proud member of the All-American Club for most of its existence and helped with fundraisers to support travel on the Panther Express.
In later years, some of his deepest joy and fulfillment were found in time shared with his friends and family, building cherished memories and playing games. Recently, his two youngest granddaughters, Peyton and Hadley, have brightened his horizons and warmed his heart beyond words. When his health allowed, he enjoyed cheering on Kayla and Lexi in their sport ventures – especially volleyball. Other joys in his life include playing cards, taking short trips with family and dear friends – like Rose Ann, Danny, Charlie and Pat.
Many heartfelt thanks to friends, family, devoted priests, and our church community that have supported us in faith and prayer during our times of struggle and celebrated with us God’s endless goodness, grace, and mercy. We wish to acknowledge the professionals and staff at the Hermitage Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their devoted kindness and care to Eddie and his family during his final days.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Priests of the Sacred Heart (Hales Corner) at P.O. Box 900, Hales Corner, WI 53130.
Along with his parents, Eddie is preceded in death by his son, Randy Wayne O’Bryan.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Mary Ann (Miller) O’Bryan, his children, Jeff (Wendy) O’Bryan, Chad (Laura) Harl, Kevin (Jacinta) Harl, Matthew (Katie) Harl, Betty (Gary) Lane, Kristina (Jason) Jones, and Carrie (Chad) Bidwell; 19 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Barbara (Ray) Hodskins, Bernice (Ken) Galloway, and Betty (Roger) Conkright.
Mass of a Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Saint Stephen Cathedral, with Father John Thomas and Father John Vaughan officiating. Friends and family are invited to visitation at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home and Crematory on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Father John Thomas will lead in prayer at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will resume on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Saint Stephen Cathedral, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of mass. Burial will be held at a later date at Resurrection Cemetery.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is honored and privileged to be entrusted with Eddie Bryan’s care. Please leave condolence messages for the family of Mr. O’Bryan and sign their virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.