Ronald O'Hara

Ronald O'Hara, 59, Stugis, SD formerly of Pembina, ND passed away Monday, October 1, 2012, in Bismarck, ND, surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 4, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pembina Lutheran Church, Pembina, ND. Burial will be held in the Pembina Cemetery.
Ron was born July 26, 1953, in St. Vincent, MN to Francis and Mabel (Pohl) O'Hara. He attended Pembina High School and graduated with an Associate's Degree in Business from NDSCS, Wahpeton, ND. Following college in 1973, he accepted a position as assistant manager for Lynn's SuperValu in Eagle Butte, SD.
On May 18, 1974, he married Cynthia Fish. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to manager, a position he would retain until December 1990, when he left to pursue his entrepreneurial goals of business ownership. In April of 1990, Ron and his family opened RC Dairy Queen in Eagle Butte. His business' success was ultimately recognized for producing the highest retail sales for Dairy Queen in the state of South Dakota. He retired from work in January 2007, and moved to Strugis.
Throughout his life, Ron remained active within the community. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Jaycees, Eagle Butte City Council and Parent's Club for the Head Start Program. He and his family also assisted the community for eight years as foster parents for at risk children. Once retired, he turned his focus to family. He spent much of his time traveling to spend time with his children and sisters.
Survivors include the mother of his children, Cynthia O'Hara, Bismarck; children: Blaine (Elizabeth) O'Hara, Wahpeton, Justin (Jolene) O'Hara, Hankinson, ND, Rhonda (Bryant) Harper, Honolulu, HI, James (Angie) O'Hara, Escondido, CA and Santanya O'Hara, New Town, ND; thirteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters: Charlotte (Kevin) Hodney, Grand Forks, ND, Sue Johnston, Pembina, Colleen Bockenhauer, Farmington, MN, and Paula (Jim) Jackson, Indianapolis, IN.
Preceding him in death were his parents.
Clergy: Rev. Beth Peterson, Music: Bettie Lou Stegman, accompanist, Casketbearers: Bryant Harper, Jay Johnston, Blaine O'Hara, James O'Hara, Justin O'Hara, Nick O'Hara.