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West Allis Central High School

Duane OReilly Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 27, 2024.

Duane Bernard O'Reilly, 75, of Hartford, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2024, in Slinger, Wisconsin.

Born on April 29, 1949, in West Allis, Wisconsin, to Bernard J. and Caroline M. O'Reilly (née Fennig), Duane grew up with a passion for learning and music that would shape his life. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and dedicated his career to teaching at Pleasant Hill Elementary School in Brookfield, where he taught 4th through 6th grades. Fondly known as "Mr. O," he was a beloved teacher who also coached basketball and managed the school's computer lab. He shared his love of rock 'n' roll with his students, leaving a lasting impression on many.

Duane was a gifted keyboard player and a lifelong musician who performed with over 20 bands throughout his life, including Storm, Blue Epic, Live Radio, and Dreamer. His passion for music was matched by his adventurous spirit-whether playing softball with friends on Jay's Good Times team, exploring archaeology through excavation trips, or enjoying camping trips, Florida vacations and exotic cruises.

A devoted grandfather, Duane cherished time spent with his grandchildren on fishing trips, canoeing adventures, movie outings, and picnics. His love of food led him to explore new restaurants and recipes, often traveling far for the perfect meal or ingredient. An avid fisherman both on Wisconsin's lakes and in Canada, he found joy not only in fishing but also in collecting lures and equipment.

Duane is survived by his daughter Stacy O'Reilly Hormann (Edward Hormann Jr.), grandchildren Alyssa, Sean, Elle, and Tyler Hormann, and stepson Aaron O'Reilly. He is also survived by his sisters Helane O'Reilly (Mark) Bealhen, Michelle O'Reilly (Jim) Small, Debbi (Jim) O'Reilly-Christensen and Penny O'Reilly (John) O'Hare, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his girlfriend Beth Danko.

A Celebration of Life will be planned for a future date. Memorials may be made to White House of Music Foundation 2101 N. Springdale Rd., Waukesha, WI 53186 or online at https://whitehouseofmusic.com/white-house-music-foundation/ to keep music alive and available for children in Wisconsin.

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Recent Activity

April 16, 2025

Sue Carr posted to the memorial.

April 16, 2025

Dean Meissner posted to the memorial.

January 2, 2025

Sunny Webster posted to the memorial.

6 Entries

Sue Carr

April 16, 2025

Duane has been missed for a long time at the Carr Jam. He was an awesome musician & such a nice guy. R.I.P. Duane. You & all the others who have left us can play for our Lord now! God speed!

Leigh & Sue Carr

Dean Meissner

April 16, 2025

I still think of Mr O often. He was the greatest teacher. From his unit on paper airplanes, to our races through the multiplication tables. Nothing sounded better than Iron Butterfly on the single speaker classroom record player. Outside we played Four Square following O´s rules. Even when disciplining me for an uncalled for outburst on the playground, he had the greatest compation. He was famous for dying his mustache green on St. Patricks day.

You will forever be missed, Mr O!
Thanks for the memories,
Dean Meissner

Sunny Webster

January 2, 2025

My family's favorite potato salad is a recipe DuBee shared with me over 30 years ago! It was always fun cooking in the kitchen with him coming up with some very creative but delicious recipes! So sorry to hear of his passing. My heartfelt sympathies to Stacy and Aaron. God bless you during this difficult time.

Diane Millard

December 27, 2024

Duane was a gifted teacher who went out of his way to encourage and motivate his students. He also had wonderful creative ways to teach math - all kinds of short cuts that helped his students learn. Duane will be missed.

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Tim Theep

December 27, 2024

I first met Duane when we gathered for our first meeting for Ted's Clark softball team which eventually became Jay's Good Times. We were a self sponsored team after Ted's who had modest success , played our tushes off , practiced and played at Lincoln Park , Kern Park and Estabrook Park. We played early on Sunday mornings. Being self sponsored , we didn't owe any sponsor showing up at a bar so we had all the kids at the games for cookouts and parties after games. There was a fairly legendary Wapatuli / Toga party that sticks in my memory. I saw him and his band play and he was darned good. I still remember Stacie and Aaron as kids. Anyway, it is tough losing friends and teammates. Duane was a great guy and I will miss him. Rest in Peace.

Michelle O´ReillySmall

December 27, 2024

Duane was the one who taught my boys how to fish and enjoy the true definition of a beach vacation. He will truly be missed. Love Ya

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