O’Brien, Ethel M.

Ethel O’Brien, 93, Manawa, passed away on Saturday, March 31, 2012, at Brewster Village, Appleton. Ethel was born on January 24, 1919, in Manawa. The daughter of the late Arnold and Pauline (Sturm) Buchholz attended Manawa Schools and graduated from Stevens Point Teachers College where she participated in drama and music. Although she taught professionally for a short time at Evansville School, Ethel always remained a true teacher to those who loved her until the day she died. She was united in marriage to Robert O’Brien at Sacred Heart Church in Manawa on March 30, 1940. She had an individual and loving relationship with each of her 16 children and reminded them that friends may come and go but family would always be there for them. Ethel was a very active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Lebanon as a choir director and church organist. Ethel is survived by her daughters: Betty (Dan) Retzke, Freeport, IL; Mary (Ray) Hosmer, Hortonville; Sara (Andy) Thomack, Manawa; Ann (Michael) Warning, Wisconsin Rapids; Bridget (Thomas) Wenman, Mosinee; sons: James (Mary Jo), Waupaca; Eugene (Jeanne) Waupaca; Tom (Judi), Appleton; Brian (Patricia) Richfield; Robert (Kathleen) Green Bay; Martin (Rita), Appleton; Joseph (Lori), New London; Edward (Jenny) Waupaca; Peter (Lorena), Colleyville, TX; David (Kim), Appleton. She is further survived by a bazillion grandchildren and a ridiculous amount of great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert 1988, a son William 1990, a sister Evelyn Buchholz, four grandchildren, Heidi, Steven, Andrew O’Brien and Jason Hosmer and daughter-in-law, Shirley O’Brien. The Funeral Mass for Ethel was held on Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at 10:30a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Lebanon. The Rev. Jay Fostner O. Praem and Bishop Robert Morneau will concelebrate. Burial is in the parish cemetery. Visitation was held on Monday from 4-8 p.m. at the Cline & Hanson Funeral Home, (209 W Cook St), New London. A 7:00 p.m. prayer service was held with Rev. Msgr. James Feeley officiating. Visitation was also held at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the caregivers at Brewster Village. Ethel spoke so highly of all of you and appreciated all you did for her. A memorial fund has been established for Autism Matters.