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Jerry O’Brien: 1941-2025

Jerome F. (Jerry) O’Brien, 83, of Superior passed away on July 14, 2025, at home with his wife Joanne (Jo) by his side.

Jerry was born on October 23, 1941, to Fred D. and Agnes L (Mickelson) O’Brien in Grantsburg, WI, who predeceased him. He graduated from Webster High School in 1959 and attended the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Jerry and Jo were married on July 6, 1973, and recently celebrated their 52nd anniversary.

Jerry O’Brien

He lived and breathed stock car racing, and when he wasn’t racing, he was writing about it. Jerry drove from 1971-1985 and was the track reporter for Superior Speedway from 1975-2023, Proctor Speedway from 1987-2023, and Cedar Lake Speedway from 1989-2000. For several years he wrote for many national racing publications and locally for The Evening Telegram and Duluth News-Tribune. His North Tundra Racing Beat was a regular column in the Checkered Flag Racing News, and until a few weeks ago, he was writing the “View from the Tundra” column for All The Dirt! Racing News.

Jerry and Jo also attended the Daytona 500 for 42 years. In 2008, Jerry was inducted into the Superior Speedway Hall of Fame, and on July 27, 2025, he will be inducted into Proctor Speedway’s Hall of Fame.

Jerry is survived by his wife Joanne (Jo); step-daughter Kelly (Tom) McAuly, Birnamwood, WI; step-son Kris (Kathy) Stanke, Antigo, WI; step grandchildren, Kelsey (Jeff) Brown, Brianna Stanke, Kaitlyn Jo (Alex) Fish, Brandon Stanke; step great-grandsons Oakley and Briar, and one on the way, Miles; his sister Janice (Jan); niece Melissa Duffek, Antigo, WI; sister-in-law Susan (Mike) Berry and brother-in-law Ken (Karen) Grothe, both of Chippewa Falls, WI.

A special thank you to the Essentia Health hospice nurses and aides, especially Brandy; and to Derrick Cavallin and staff from Twin Ports Cremation Services.

A Celebration of Life was held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at the Superior Curling Club.