UPDATE: Tragedy strikes as Daniel W. O’Hara, affectionately known as “Flair,” has died at the age of 77 following a devastating car accident on October 22, 2025. The news has sent shockwaves through the communities of Superior, WI, and Duluth, MN, where he was a beloved figure.
O’Hara was born on September 14, 1948, and spent his formative years in Superior, Grand Rapids, and the picturesque Amnicon River Valley. A proud graduate of Northwestern High School in 1966, he quickly distinguished himself as a member of the state-ranked swim team and the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity at the University of Wisconsin-Superior (UWS).
Following his graduation in 1970, O’Hara was thrust into military service, being the first selected in the new draft lottery. He served as a neuropsychiatric technician in the U.S. Army, ultimately working at the Drug Treatment Center in Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam. After returning home, he obtained a master’s degree in School Psychology and contributed as an assistant swim coach at UWS.
His career spanned several school districts, including CESA #1 in Ashland and the Wreshall and Carlton school districts, where he served as a school psychologist and coached various sports, including cross-country running and skiing. Even at the time of his passing, he was actively working as a realtor for North Point Realty.
O’Hara was known for his zest for life, engaging in adventurous activities such as hang-gliding with the Skyline Skydogs and spending over a decade commercial salmon fishing in Alaska. He participated in numerous marathons, including the Paavo Nurmi and multiple Grandma’s Marathons, and was a regular at cross-country skiing events, completing over 30 Birkebeiners.
He shared a loving marriage with his wife, Linda (Cookie) O’Hara, whom he wed in 1971. The couple spent their life in the Duluth/Superior area, cherishing nature and caring for numerous pet cats. O’Hara leaves behind his wife, brother Kevin O’Hara, sisters-in-law Cindy Davies and Sue Jarvis, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by both parents and his in-laws.
A large community of friends and family mourns his loss, highlighting the profound impact he had on those around him. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to local animal shelters, reflecting O’Hara’s love for animals.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for November 8, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Lakeside Community Center, located at 3196 Poplar River Road off Highway 13 in Maple, WI. The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.
This news serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the beloved connections we forge. O’Hara’s legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of many.
