George O'Hearn
Dr. George T. O'Hearn II, 82, of Allouez, passed away surrounded by his loving family Saturday evening March 4, 2017 at Unity Hospice, Ledgeview. The son of the late George T. and Bernice (Lorrigan) O'Hearn was born September 26, 1934 in Manitowoc and raised in Maple Grove.
He was a graduate of UW Madison '57, '60, '65, the year he received his Ph.D. On August 16, 1958, he married the former Ann Dvorachek at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Reedsville.
Dr. O'Hearn was a professor at UW Madison for four years prior to moving to UWGB in 1968 when it became a four year university at the former Deckner campus location, retiring in 1995 as emeritus professor. He was former chair of the Department of Education and Director for the Center for the Advancement of Science. As an early faculty member of UWGB, he was recognized for his contributions and involvement, including a Founders Association Award for Excellence in Community Outreach.
Whether in Wisconsin or England, he was passionate about teaching and teaching teachers, particularly science educators. He influenced faculty and students almost as much as they had a profound influence on him. He was a charter member of the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers, an organization where he received the annual Ron Gibbs Award for Science Teaching, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Honor. He was a longtime member and past president of the Downtown Kiwanis Club of Green Bay.
George was an avid reader and especially enjoyed science journals and newspapers. He enjoyed travel, particularly Ireland, photography and genealogy, including involvement and leadership as former Vice-President and on the Board of Directors for the Bay Area Genealogical Society.
Furthermore, his lifelong pride in his hometown motivated the creation in 1992 of Friends of St. Patrick's, a non-profit 501(c)3 to help maintain the Irish Heritage and traditions of the former church of St. Patrick's and the Maple Grove, Wisconsin area.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Ann , one daughter, Mary Mehlberg (special friend, Brian Stammer), Luxemburg, two sons, Dr. George O'Hearn (special friend, Heidi Neubauer), Dykesville, Don (Kathryn) O'Hearn, Maple Grove, MN., six grandchildren, Murphy (Elizabeth) O'Hearn, Janelle (Bobby) Fitzjohn, Dean Mehlberg, Sara Mehlberg, Benjamin O'Hearn, Jacob O'Hearn, two great-grandchildren, Elijah O'Hearn and Theodore Fitzjohn.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Family and friends may call at RYAN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 305 North Tenth Street, De Pere from 4:00 to 7:30 pm on Thursday, March 9, 2017. Prayer service will be held at 7:00 pm.
Visitation will continue from 10:00 to 11:00 am on Friday at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, 130 St. Matthew's Street, Allouez. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am Friday with Father Bob Kabat and Deacon Cyril Klister officiating.
Please visit the Ryanfh website to send online condolences to the O'Hearn family. Inurnment in the family plot at Maple Grove.
A memorial fund has been established in George's name for the Friends of St. Patrick Parish Educational Fund in Maple Grove.
The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Rupp, Dr. Verma, Dr. Schmitz, and the staff at Eighth Floor, St. Vincent Hospital, Unity Hospice and Bellevue Retirement Community for their care and support.
(Reprinted with permission from Laurie Bolle, Regional Director of Sales – Gannett Regional Sales Center, USA today Network.) Published in Green Bay Press-Gazette from March 7 to March 9, 2017