Danny Loy Ohlson passed away on Sept. 3, 2026, in Iowa City. He lived a life of curiosity, learning and adventure with the love of family and friends.
Danny was born Feb. 16, 1947, in Cherokee, to Margaret (Margie) Woltman Ohlson and Filmore Ohlson. Growing up, he was a master model builder. He enjoyed reading, chess, movies, hunting, fishing and camping. In his teens, he logged more than 10,000 miles camping and backpacking throughout the American West and Western Canada with his brother Kelly and close friends. Danny was the leader of a young band of adventurers who still talk about their many experiences on these trips. As an adult, these interests continued as did a love for the Iowa Hawkeyes, wildlife and dogs. He was an excellent cook and took genuine pleasure in preparing and sharing delicious food.
After graduating from Immaculate Conception High School in 1965, Danny attended the University of Iowa, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in zoology in 1969. He then enrolled at Iowa State University, taking classes in wildlife biology with his brother, Kelly. Danny then received a master of science degree from the University of Idaho and a PhD from Washington State University. Danny worked as a research scientist for the University of Idaho, the federal government and private companies in Colorado and Florida. He loved his work as a scientist and consultant.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents, Sherman and Edna (Gill) Woltman and Lloyd and Effie (Johnson) Ohlson; his loving aunts and uncles; and his lifelong friend Bill Boyd.
Danny is survived by his beloved niece Samantha Ohlson Gardner (Nick); brothers, Michael W. Ohlson (Joleen) and Kelly Ohlson (Linda Stanley); many cousins who were important to him; and loyal friends: Aileen Barnhouse, Tom and Angie Oehler, Mike and Phyllis Herman and Marna Tisdel.
Danny had great affection for his hometown of Cherokee. He returned often, usually around Memorial Day.
The family offers gratitude to everyone at Iowa City Rehabilitation & Health Care Center for taking such skilled and compassionate care of Danny.
Services are pending at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service. In honor of Danny’s lifelong love of wildlife and wild places, memorial donations may be made to the Iowa Prairie Network or the Wilderness Society.
