Robert Ornst Obituary

Robert A. Ornst, Jr. found peace on June 29, 2025, at the age of 69, after courageously battling the relentless disease of depression and anxiety. His strength in facing each day, despite the overwhelming weight of his illness, was a testament to his character and spirit. He will be remembered by loved ones as a loving and steady presence as a husband and father, a devoted child, a cherished and supportive brother, a respected engineer, an inspiring teacher and coach, and an accomplished athlete. A natural leader who always did the right thing, he also had a legendary sense of humor - a prankster who kept everyone laughing with his sharp wit and perfect timing.
Bob was born in Milwaukee, WI, on October 26th, 1955, and graduated from Brookfield East High School, where he stood out as a national-level gymnast and tennis player. It was there, in his junior year, that he met his high school sweetheart, Mary. Their journey together began in Arizona during Bob's time at Arizona State University, where he earned his degree in Construction Engineering. After graduation, they returned to Wauwatosa, WI to start their family and carry on the proud legacy of Selzer-Ornst Co. - where Bob's journey began at 13, rising to third-generation president, upholding the family tradition with loyal, strong leadership that drove the company's growth and success.
Bob's dedication to his family legacy and his community was evident in every chapter of his life. His leadership left a lasting impact on both the greater Milwaukee construction industry and Wauwatosa. He generously shared his time and expertise, serving as President of the Rotary Club of Wauwatosa, President of the Board at the Congregational Home, and as a board member of the Wauwatosa West Suburban Association of Commerce and the First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa. Even in retirement, Bob continued giving back-teaching construction courses at Mount Mary University and coaching young tennis players each summer.
Bob's greatest joy was his wife and children. He was a loving and engaged father who worked hard to give his family a strong foundation and every opportunity to thrive. His investment in their lives could be seen from cheering at countless sports games to his leadership role on the board of St. Coletta Day School of Milwaukee, where his son was a student. He was a strong supporter of the Special Olympics Wisconsin. He treasured his weekly tennis matches with his daughter, whom he adored and admired. He was his son's best pal and hero. He was his wife's rock through life's joys and challenges and all the in-between.
Bob will be dearly missed by his devoted wife of 47 years, Mary Ornst, his children, Allison (Chris) Wergin and Matthew Ornst, and his grandchildren, Dylan, Natalie, and Tessa. He is also survived by his mother, Marilyn Ornst of Brookfield, and his siblings, Carol (Rob) Manegold of Nashotah, Sallie (George) Meyer of Elm Grove, Sarah Bloomquist of Cedarburg, and Michael Ornst of Milwaukee. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert A. Ornst, Sr. Bob will be further remembered by Mary's siblings, his nieces and nephews, and his friends and neighbors in Wauwatosa.
Please join the family for a memorial service on Sunday, July 20th, at the First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa, 1511 Church Street, Wauwatosa, WI 53213. Visitation begins at 1:30 p.m., and the service begins at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Bob's memory to the or the .