Milton Oltjenbruns

Milton Kenneth Oltjenbruns died December 7, 2018, at Melissa Memorial Hospital in Holyoke, at the age of 98.

Milton was born on August 23, 1920, to Harry and Amelia (Welper) Oltjenbruns, at their farm southwest of Holyoke.  He was baptized in the Lutheran faith and was later confirmed in that faith at Zion Lutheran Church in Holyoke on June 10, 1934.

Milton attended Lakeside School through the eighth grade, then hired out to hand-pick corn for various farmers in the local area and also in northeast Nebraska.  In 1939 the family relocated to a farm southwest of Amherst.  At that time they became active members of St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Amherst, and Milton served the church in various leadership capacities over the years.

Milton was united in marriage with Leona Schmidt on June 1, 1947. They were married for over seventy-one years, and were blessed with three children:  Cheryl, Kenneth, and Nolan.

Milton was known and respected throughout the community for building a successful farming operation, which continues today under the management of his sons.  Milton and Leona retired from active farming in 1986 and relocated to Holyoke at that time.  They enjoyed their travels during retirement, and also volunteered extensively in the community.

Milton was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Amelia Oltjenbruns; his twin brother Elton Oltjenbruns; two sisters:  Evelyn Franson and Glendora Severson; and daughter-in-law Kevin Oltjenbruns.

He is survived by his wife Leona; three children: Cheryl and spouse Dave Schutz; Kenneth Oltjenbruns; Nolan Oltjenbruns and spouse Donald McMaster; one grandson, David Schutz and spouse Margaret Tyler Schutz; sister Clara Heermann; and many additional relatives and friends.

The funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday December 12, Pastor Gary Rahe officiating, at Zion Lutheran Church in Holyoke, with interment to follow at the Amherst Cemetery.  Baucke Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial donations be earmarked for: Zion Lutheran Church; or Concordia Seminary, St Louis MO; or Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft Wayne, IN.

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