SPIRIT LAKE — Dr. Bradley O’Mara, 69, passed away September 26, 2026, at Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake. There will be no formal services at this time.
Born October 26, 1956, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Vaden and Joan (Bettenhausen) O’Mara, Brad built a life and career around engineering, research, entrepreneurship and a fascination with the possibilities of solar energy.
After earning his bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering from the Oregon Institute of Technology in 1981, Brad began his professional career in semiconductor research and development in Silicon Valley. His early work with electronics and power conversion ultimately developed into more than three decades of work in the photovoltaic and renewable energy industry.
Brad became a pioneer in developing electronic systems designed to make solar power more practical and efficient. Over the course of his career, he worked as a designer, researcher, inventor, consultant and business leader, helping develop solar-powered products and technology for residential, commercial and utility applications.
His work included research for the U.S. Department of Energy as well as the development of solar lighting systems and power-conversion technology. Brad was also involved with photovoltaic projects and products deployed throughout the United States and internationally.
His commitment to education continued throughout his career. In 2001, Brad earned a Ph.D. in Electronic Engineering from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, where his doctoral research centered on photovoltaic science and engineering.
He later brought that expertise to northwest Iowa, continuing his solar-energy development, consulting and investment work through Maxim Sun Energy, a company he founded in Spirit Lake.
Brad made his home in the Spirit Lake and Okoboji area with his family while continuing to pursue the field that had become his lifelong passion. His work and innovations reached well beyond northwest Iowa and contributed to the advancement and growing acceptance of solar energy as a dependable source of electrical power.
Brad is survived by his wife, Inna O’Mara of Spirit Lake; his sons, Maximilian “Maxim” and Stanislav “Stanley”; his brother, Douglas O’Mara of South Dakota; and his lifelong friends, the Naviaux family — Bill, Carol, Tom, Johnny and Jim.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents and his parents.
More information about Brad’s life and an opportunity to share memories with the family can be found through his obituary at Turner Jenness Family Funeral Home.
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