R. Jan "Oly" Oltmanns

R. Jan “Oly” Oltmanns passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends on the morning of June 23rd. Jan was born as the “first” Sacred Heart Hospital baby at 6 o’clock on November 23, 1941 to Oscar and Verna Oltmanns. He was a third generation family farmer South of Idaho Falls on Canyon Road. He enjoyed milking the cows, raising chickens, playing pool in his grandparent’s basement and farming with his dad.

He was a good ol boy of the “old generation” where he walked to school, stepped over the power lines when the snow was SO deep and worked harder than any of the “young generation”. As he grew, he found his passion in working with and collecting many different tractors and old cars all while hanging out and causing trouble with his friends. He spent countless hours working in the fields raising various crops and many hours in the corrals raising pigs, cows and sheep. He additionally enjoyed being a honey bee farmer and the mischievous escapades of “Wild Oats Honey”. In his down time he enjoyed watching Johnny Carson, John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and listening to Paul Harvey. His friends and neighbors visited him daily for coffee and treats. He was also known for his hog parties with fireworks and great entertainment. As he grew older and couldn’t move freely, he enjoyed being chauffeured by his family where he was given the a.k.a. of “Miss Daisy” (among many other nickmanes).

Jan married Donna Jean Jobe on November 2, 1963 where they lived and farmed on the family farm. During their marriage they brought three daughters (Wendy, Trudy and Kerry) and one son (Lenn “Buff”) into their family. After 23 years of marriage they were divorced.

Jan later married Loy Legan on December 25, 1994 and brought two additional sons into the family (Spencer and Travis).

After losing Loy in 2002, he later met and married Debra Hodges in 2005. They were later separated and divorced in 2012.

He is survived by his children: Wendy Hotzel, Trudy (Lyle) LaBonte, Kerry Oltmanns, Lenn “Buff” Oltmanns and Spencer (Ashley) Oltmanns. His grandchildren include Casey, Brianna, Brittney, Cassidy, Hagen, Tenley, Erika and Nathan and one great- granddaughter Addie. He is additionally survived by the absolute love of his life and favorite dog “Dummy Dog” and his ex-wife Debbie.

Graveside services will begin at 11:00 on Thursday, June 26, at the Taylor Cemetery. Family visitation will be held Wednesday, June 25, from 6:00 until 8:00 at Buck-Miller-Hann Funeral Home, 825 East 17th Street.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Bonneville County 4-H Club, 2925 Rollandet, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402.