My deepest condolences to the family. I have very fond memories of Obie. He gave me my first start in radio at WFMR.
~ Monika Lusk,
WAUWATOSA, WI
During my years working an office job in downtown Milwaukee, the very first thing I did at the start of every day was to turn on Obie's morning show on WFMR. He had a superb radio voice and personae. I enjoyed winning a few of his contests. Obie's knowledge of classical music and composers was second to none. I read his book "Obie's Opus" several times. In recent years, we communicated a few times via email discussing WFMR and classical music. My sympathies to his family. Please know that your loss is our loss, too.
~ Bob Janik,
Shelbina, MO
Sadly that just when I was going to message Obie I was shocked and sadly saw that dear Obie was gone. He and I would occasionally message each other with memories of his delightful WFMR radio show. It was a part of my family’s morning time not to be missed. I must add that at that time my sons were two and three years old and they learned to appreciate fine classical music during their breakfast. On dreary days they, even now say ( It’s a fine day to sit and enjoy a samovar of tea). My sons now 55 and 54 still recite that phase.
Please know that as I write this with tears in my eyes Obie was one of a kind and will be deeply missed. He contributed so much to my love of classical music and I certainly remember some of his adroit comments.
He will be remembered in my prayers and I send my most sincere sympathy to his family.
~ Dianne Volkoff,
Greenfield,, WI
We missed Obie so much when he left Milwaukee radio. His was a very distinctive voice. I can still hear him saying "It's an introspective day."
My sympathy to his family.
~ Phyllis,
Milwaukee
I listened to WFMR most of the time back in the late 60s and 70s and loved listening to Obie's voice. He had a great voice and his knowledge of classical music was as interesting as the music. I was sad when WFMR stopped broadcasting classical music and often wondered what Obie was doing. I am glad he had a wonderful life. I am sorry the family has lost such a GOOD man.
~ Donald,
Brookfield, WI
Obie's theme of his Morning Show on WFMR. Thank you so much, Obie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWWD2DKzm7A
~ Deb Strzelecki,
Green Bay, WI
Loved your classical music programs. Learned so much from you. Sympathies to your family and fans.
~ Louise Wisinski,
Mayville, WI
Oh no! I'm actually tearing up. Obie was such a part of my life and mornings via WFMR. My sister and I attended "Music Under The Stars" concerts at Washington Park when Obie emceed. We always made it a point to say hi to him in person whenever he made public appearances. Of course, I'll always remember him tooling around on his bike when I worked at the Shorewood PD. He always had on his Greek fisherman's hat and a huge pipe under his mustache. Holy cow, that was in the late 1970s right after I graduated from high school. For some reason, he stopped in one early morning at District 2, my last assignment at the Milwaukee PD. That must've been 2013 or 2014. I didn't recognize him bc he was as bald as a cueball by then, but I immediately recognized his very distinctive voice. He was always cheerful and obviously enjoyed interacting with people. He truly was a kind and gentle soul. RIP, dear Obelit.
~ Deb Strzelecki,
Green Bay, WI
Obie was a gift. Thanks for the joy.
~ Mary Guy-Franke,
West Allis, WI
Obie was the voice of my childhood mornings. If I close my eyes and concentrate I can hear his voice introducing a Mozart sonata. My dad always insisted that he knew the perfect music to pick in the early morning. May his memory be a blessing to his loving family, I’m so sorry for his loss.
~ Dr. Tehemina Richardson,
Evanston, IL
