Kathryn Ann Oltman

Berwyn Lee Oltman was born on April 26, 1932 in Enders, Nebraska. Kathryn Ann (Forsyth) Oltman was born on April 28, 1933 in Holmesville, Nebraska. Each came from a family with eight children (Kathryn had seven sisters). Though they lived on opposite sides of Nebraska, they met as teenagers through church activities. They were married on June 3, 1953. They both attended McPherson College in McPherson, Kansas and their first home as a married couple was as dorm parents at that college. After college, Berwyn attended Bethany Seminary in Elgin, Illinois. Kathryn worked as a telephone operator while living there.

Berwyn was licensed as a Church of the Brethren minister at age 16 (following in his Grandfather, David Wines footstep’s). He served several churches in Iowa before moving to Florida in 1980 to serve several churches there. He also served as District Executive for the Church of the Brethren for the Atlantic Southeast District.

Kathryn was a homemaker and also for a time helped out at the church preschool. She then worked for JCPenney for nearly 15 years—both in Iowa and in Florida. Kathryn loved working outside in the yard and always had beautiful flowers wherever they lived.

They were members of New Covenant Church of the Brethren at Camp Ithiel in Gotha, FL. Berwyn served as pastor of that church for a time and also played the piano and organ.

They were the parents of three children.

Stephen (Christine) Oltman—Port Richey, FL

Carolyn Oltman—Winter Garden, FL

Christopher (Taylor) Oltman—Apopka, FL

They had one grandson, Ryder Oltman—age 9–Apopka, FL.

Berwyn was preceded in death by his parents—George & Lois (Wine) Oltman, all four of his brothers Dale, David, Marlo & Dwight and son Stephen. Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents—Lyle & Florence (Putnam) Forsyth, two of her sisters; Lois & Marjorie and son Stephen.

They are survived by their children, Carolyn and Christopher (Taylor) and grandson Ryder. Berwyn is survived by his sisters, Eileen, Betty & Karen. Kathryn is survived by her sisters Lucille, Mildred, Pauline, June & Rosanna.

Berwyn preceded Kathryn in death dying less than 24 hours earlier. As the end of his life was near Carolyn arranged for them to be together. He died peacefully holding Kathryn's hand, at Hospice House. The following day Kathryn joined her beloved Berwyn for eternity. They had just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

Only a graveside service is planned at this time. A Celebration of Life service will be planned at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com for the Oltman family.