Neil O'Brien

Neil Roger O’Brien, age 83, of Kronenwetter, Wisconsin, died, Monday, February 9, 2026, at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau.

He was born on May 30, 1942, in Bessemer, Michigan, a son of Raymond and Lillian (Gartman) O’Brien. On January 15, 1965, he married Colleen Ann Pierce in Wausau. Neil was a Night Maintenance Supervisor for the Wausau YMCA. He had a true love for the great outdoors and the Northwoods; hunting, fishing and spending time at his home away from home cottage in Boulder Junction were some of his happiest times. He was once a winner for the Musky Classic. Known for his notorious storytelling, being a “professional fishing guide” and top notch BS’ing, he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Colleen; daughters, Maureen Mueller (Todd Stelter) and Shawn (Robert) Koehler; four grandchildren, Trevor, Brennan, Natalie, Christian and his sister, Janet (Chuck) Wirt. He is preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Donald O’Brien.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM at the Wausau Elks Lodge, 414 Scott Street, Wausau, WI. Military Honors will be held at 12:30 PM, and a luncheon to follow.

Arrangements are with Brainard Funeral Home and Cremation Service.