John J. Obren

Obren, John J.
"Wisconsin John" Obren passed early Friday morning, March 4, 2011, with wife Penny by his side and jokes still hurling through the air. He is survived by his beloved wife Penny, 4 children and their spouses, 5 grandchildren, and 1 great granddaughter, (Gregg/Madonna-Nick, DJ, Marcus; Maria/Steve; Gigi/Larry, Chris/Sunny-Brandon, Casey, Alura). The one and only "Swish Obuchowski" married Pennelope Griparis January 24, 1954 in Joliet, IL and they remained inseparable through 57 years of marriage. Prior to his marriage, John had a distinguished military career and was honored for meritorious service in the United States Army Air Corps during WWII as a B17 bombardier. A graduate of Bradley University, John's civilian occupation as an engineer for the Department of the Army led him to appointments at federal arsenals in Joliet, IL, Dover, NJ, and Rock Islands, IL and was again decorated for this extensive career. He retired as the Director of Quality Assurance for the Army Ammunitions and Weapons program. Big John was involved in numerous community volunteer organizations, including support of his children's activities. Of particular fond memory to his family was his leadership role as Scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts of America. John was an integral member of the St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church for his last 18 years, serving on numerous financial and planning committees as the parish recently completed a successful relocation. Other organizations John had memberships with include VFW #10695, NARFE #1789, 100th Bomb Group Association, SCW/PORA, and the SCW Polish American Club. John will be honored Tuesday evening, 5:00pm with a visitation at Sunland Funeral Home (15826 Del Webb Blvd, Sun City, Arizona 85351. 623-933-0161, 866-585-2403, www.sunland memorial.com) and Wednesday morning beginning at 10:00 at St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church (7950 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd, Peoria, AZ 85383. 623-486-8665, http://www.stharalambos.org/) with a burial in the Garden of Valor at Sunland immediately following the church services. In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Haralambos Church building fund will be accepted in John's name.