Dr. William "Bill" Gregg O'Hara

Dr. William “Bill” Gregg O’Hara, age 83, of Ottumwa, IA, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at his home. Bill was born on June 18, 1941, at home in rural Monroe County to William George and Verna Claire (Scott) O’Hara. He grew up attending school in Moravia and graduated with the Class of 1958. Following high school, Bill served his country in the United States Army. He then went to the University of Iowa graduating in 1965 and Creighton University graduating in 1970. Bill had a long, successful career as a dentist. He started practicing dentistry in 1970, practicing in many different places, including Albia, Ottumwa, and Arizona, working well into his 70s. He was a mentor to many in the field over the years and served as President of South East Iowa District Dental Society from 1975-1976. Bill was a man of great faith. He was very outgoing and loved to visit with others, often going out to eat with friends. As Creighton Alumni, he maintained many relationships from the University for many years. In the summer months, his favorite hobby was boating at Lake Rathbun. He enjoyed watching the Iowa Hawkeyes and was a fan of Porsches, owning several different ones over the years. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. Bill is survived by his niece, Jean (Bob) Henderson of Albia; a nephew, William Patrick (Bette) McGee of Ft. Wayne, IN; his great nieces and nephews, Aaron (Mariah) Henderson, Nicole (Cody) Myers, David (Melissa) McGee, Daniel (Katelyn) McGee, and Katie (Jason) Genereux-Matson; and 13 great-great nieces and nephews. Bill is also survived by many good friends. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, W.G. and Verna O’Hara; a sister, Patricia “Patty” McGee; 3 nephews, Jim, Tim, and Mike McGee; and a niece, Carol Genereux. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Bill’s family present throughout to greet family and friends. A Christian Wake Service will be held at 4:00 p.m. and a Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. led by St. Mary’s Altar & Rosary Society. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia, with Father Isaac Essel officiating. Military honors provided by the American Legion of Albia, Lovilia, and Melrose will follow services at the church. A private family burial will be held at a later date. Memorials have been established to the Welcome Home Soldier monument in Albia and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Dr. William "Bill" Gregg O'Hara

June 18, 1941 - December 14, 2024