Robert Ronald “Bob” O’Berg

Birth: March 3, 1934 | Died: April 8, 2024

On April 8, 2024, Robert Ronald O’Berg, age 90, died the way he lived: at peace, with dignity and in the embrace of his family. As was said of Abraham in Genesis 25:8, He “breathed his last and died in a good old age, old and full of years, and was gathered to his people.” Bob, as he was universally known, was born in Inglewood, CA on March 3, 1934, to Robert and Ruth (Hughes) O’Berg. A highlight of Bob’s young life was watching P-51 Mustang fighters test-fire their guns near where they were manufactured in his hometown. His brother, Richard, arrived five years after he did and ultimately the family settled in Norwalk, CA, where he lived during his college years at USC as a Mechanical Engineering student. His education was interrupted by service in the US Army, where his spotless service record soon resulted in his being posted to Washington D. C. with the 3rd Infantry Regiment. There, his unit guarded President Eisenhower during formal events and rendered honors at Arlington National Cemetery. When he wasn’t “polishing and parading,” Bob competed on the Army’s rifle team against other teams across all service branches. Having met and married Carolyn Ruth Smith in 1956, Bob declined an invitation to attend Officer Candidate School, opting instead to finish his education, begin his career and start a family. Shortly after earning a BS in Mechanical Engineering, Bob went to work for Union Oil Company. Not long after, his hoped-for family began to grow—first with Robert followed by Thomas and Michael—eventually settling in Huntington Beach, CA. Bob was widowed in 1987. He found love again with Carol Ann, a woman he met at church. They spent their retirement years remodeling the family home, traveling the world, taking delight in their grandchildren and enjoying the company of friends. A long-time member of Grace Lutheran Church, Bob saw his three sons confirmed there and served in many capacities, including singing in the choir. When he wasn’t working, he loved golfing as a member of the David L. Baker men’s club and served as the club treasurer for many years. Bob inherited from his father a love of hunting and fishing. His Army marksmanship reemerged in competitive trap shooting, where he won several championships and earned the highest rating—AA. His favorite pastimes were handed down to the boys in the family, who golf, shoot and treasure annual dove hunting trips to Yuma, AZ, to this day. Also handed down were the things Bob believed were foundational for a well-lived life: telling the truth, doing one’s best, treating people respectfully, trusting in God’s love in Jesus and living a life reflective of that trust. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brother and his wife, Carolyn. He is survived by his wife, Carol; sister-in-law Linda O’Berg; sons Robert (Kristen) and children Erin and Robby, Thomas (Lori) and children Evan and Katie and Michael (Michelle) and children Michael and Marissa; Carol’s daughter Diane Thomas, with her children Leah and Lindsay, and son Rick Steidley; and several nieces, nephews and a great-nephew. We give thanks for Bob, who fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. Interment will be private. A memorial service will be scheduled at a date to be arranged. Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church 6931 Edinger Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92647