Retiring teacher, coach urges Colony grads to ‘find their 68’
By Jeremiah Bartz Frontiersman.com A football coach using a hockey reference as the centerpiece for his keynote address may
June 12, 1947 - December 30, 2025 Danny Ray O’Barr was born June 12, 1947, in Mesa, Arizona, to Ruby Lee Horne O’Barr and Benjamin Arthur O’Barr. He was the sixth of seven children. He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings: June Starks, Joseph O’Barr, Jeana Smith, Dixie Hawley, and Donald O’Barr. He is survived by his sister, Dianna (Stuart) Quist of Mesa, Arizona, and many nieces and nephews. Dan lived in Mesa, Arizona, for 26 years; Gilbert, Arizona, for 10 years; Eagle River, Alaska, for 2 years; and Wasilla, Alaska, for 39 years. On July 23, 1965, he married Gretchen Dalzen, with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage in July of last year. She survives him, along with their eight children: Katy (John) Smith; Nancy O’Barr (Walid) Moustafa; Sally (Gilbert) Munoz; Danny Jr. (Connie) O’Barr; Bonny Salsbery; Johnny (Heidi) O’Barr; Benny O’Barr (Chris); and Molly (Elvis) Bicharri. They were blessed with 22 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Dan passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of December 30, 2025. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on January 24, 2026, with a viewing and visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 821 E. Dellwood Road (corner of Bogard and Dellwood), Wasilla, Alaska.