Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Beloved husband of Joan Doris O’Brien (nee Rothaus). Dear father of Michael (Raelene) and Stuart (Erin) O’Brien. Dear grandfather of Allison, Erica, Myles, and Patrick O’Brien. Dear brother of the late Forrest Jr. and James O’Brien. Our dear brother-in-law, uncle and friend.
Bob attended Shenandoah Grade School, then Roosevelt High School – graduating in January 1954. He was very proud of accomplishing becoming an Eagle Scout, even encouraging both of his sons to later become Eagle Scouts themselves. Bob attended Harris-Stowe Teachers College, but joined the army in 1955 for 2 years, becoming part of a new Nike Missile system. Holding many jobs at one time, he was able to put himself through college, attending Washington University, University of Missouri and St. Louis university. One of his most memorable jobs was that of hamburger cook at Mizzou’s, The Shack – of Beatle Bailey fame. Having a teaching degree, he taught mainly 6th grade math and science in University City and Clayton. In 1963 he was co-founder of a singles’ dance club, holding events at large ballrooms throughout St. Louis. As the need and concept grew, Bob added additional dances with live bands (with Bob Kuban a regular) plus lots of travel opportunities under the umbrella of Social Singles with age group activities – Collegiate/Graduate Club, Always on Friday and Just 39 Clubs. He expanded into Belleville and Chicago, IL, Kansas City, and Omaha, Nebraska…growing to over 20 thousand members. This also included a ski club for all ages known as Edelweiss ski Club. With all of that, in 1968, he brought the USS Inaugural to St. Louis (a US Navy World War II minesweeper) in the broader effort to revitalize the riverfront. Through all of Bob’s work and passion for fishing and hunting, Joan, his family, and friends remained the main focus of his life. He will be lovingly remembered and missed.
SERVICES: Memorial visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel (10151 Gravois Road Affton, Missouri 63123) on Wednesday, June 19, 4:00 – 8:00pm. Memorial service will be celebrated at Christ Lutheran Church (1 Selma Ave. Webster Groves, MO 63119) Thursday, June 20 at 11am with visitation at 10am. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Feed My People, Christ Lutheran Church or Webster-Rock Hill Ministries appreciated.
My deepest sympathy to Joan and Family. Rest in Peace.
Sincerely,
Mary O’Toole
He loved his Family and life .Condolences to Joan and Family. May the memories warm your hearts .
Don & Gwynn Loomstein
My deepest sympathy, Joan. Fond memories of our cruise on The Mississippi with Bob and Jim. Prayers for your family.
Sincerely,
Tommie Degnan
So sorry for your loss, Joan. He sounds like a wonderful man and I wish I had known him. He will always be in your heart.
My deepest sympathy to you Joan. Bob and my brother were great friends since high school, and I have such fond memories of him and his funny stories.
You and your family are in my prayers.
Virginia Mitchem
Dear Joan,
So sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you and your family.
Sincerely,
Mary Rosen
Our hearts ache at the loss of Bob. His friendship with our dad was a treasure, and he will be deeply missed. The memories dad and the boys have with their “hunting buddy” are endless. So very sorry for your loss O’Brien family! Love, Beth Kenny Bohlmann
Joan, Mike, Stuart and family – I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will always remember Bob’s big smile and his Jeep tours around the farm. Always an adventure. Hugs. Gail Kleisly.
Dear Joan,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
With deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,
Diane Jones
Dear Joan,
Bob created the atmosphere with the Singles Club for hundreds if not thousands of singles to meet, marry, have children who are now no doubt sprinkled around the world. I met my lovely wife Carol at one such event 57 years ago, she passed 2 years ago. Bob and Joan attended her funeral. For that I owe Bob and Joan infinite thanks.
Bob was a great guy, a peer in this world, born in the same year 1936 as I was. I shall miss him. Joan, be strong, memories of Bob will continue forever. Jerry
We lost a good man. Never found him in a bad mood or demean an individual. Always had a positive attitude regardless of the circumstance. We traveled in different directions but I always had high regards for Bob. We need more like him in this world today.
Dear Joan
My special thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I have so many fond memories of Bob and you., He was Mr. Personality!
I am sorry I cannot make the funeral have vertigo but will be thinking of you Thursday..
Love and prayers Carolee Todd
Bob and I must have been at Roosevelt and Harris Stowe Teachers college at the same time. sorry I did not know of him after those years. was quite a guy.
Margaret Briggs Gieselmann (T A at Altair) now living in Florida.
Our love and prayers are with you, Joan, Michael, and Stuart.
I know our happy, happy memories of Bob will live with us
forever. Take care.
Love,
Sandy, Fred and Michael
What a loving husband, father and grandfather! Happiest at his farm and with you all! We are sending all our love,
Ginger, Andreas, Felix and Lukas
Our thoughts and prayers from New Hampshire are being sent your way.
Bob was such a special person who always “lit up a room” with his larger than life personality. Always had great stories for me when I visited St. Louis.
You will be missed…..
With love,
Jay Mullins