It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of O-pa Founding Chair John Gottschalk. For over 20 years, he was my stalwart mentor, supporter and friend, and one of the most special people I have ever known.
We truly would not be here today without JohnG’s leadership and vision. He had a deep and passionate commitment to O-pa and to serving the community, and he was generous with both his time and resources to ensure O-pa’s success. (And you always had to remember that JohnG was 10 steps ahead of you in anything you discussed!)
JohnG’s leadership was key to O-pa, along with Dick Holland’s incredible philanthropy. They, along with Walter Scott with Heritage Services, founded the organization in 2001 with a vision of serving the community through the arts. Working closely with Heritage Services, they raised over $100 million to renovate the Orpheum Theater and design and build the Holland Performing Arts Center that opened in 2005. It was important to JohnG that the venue be in a central location in downtown Omaha to add to the activation of the city.
JohnG ensured that we always moved forward, and he held all of us to the highest standards. Most of all, he was passionate about the performances and shows — and loved to talk about the sound of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir or Diana Krall or other artists who performed at the Holland. I know he was proud of the people we reached and the impact that O-pa had — and still has — on the community. He cared deeply about Omaha and the region and state and gave so very much to all of us. And his influence went far beyond our organization and the arts.
