Jonathan W Oltman

PEKIN ~ Jonathan Wayne Oltman passed away early Friday morning, May 20, 2016, at the University of Chicago Medicine after valiantly challenging cancer for nearly two years.  Jon lived in Normal, IL where he shared his life with his two dearly-loved cats, Rascal and Gator, and his trusted friend, Larry, who provided encouragement and support for Jon’s tireless determination to leave no stone unturned in seeking life-extending treatment.

Jon was an outgoing, fun, honest, and loyal man.  Jon loved many outdoor activities including camping, wilderness canoeing, sailing, backpacking, caving, sleeping under the stars, and watching meteor showers, especially the Perseids, which peaks every year on his birthday, August 12.  Jon became involved in the ISU Outdoor Adventure Program to pursue this love of the outdoors.  He achieved the highest coordinator level during his time with the Program, becoming a Senior Coordinator.  He was also elected and served as the President of the Outdoor Program Coordinator Club.  Jon had a strong interest in environmental issues, as well, and participated in many community clean-ups and Earth Day activities while at Illinois State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Master’s degree in Business.  Jon made many life-long friends while attending Pekin High School, Southern Illinois University, and Illinois State University.  Jon was also well known in the Bloomington/Normal area while working as a manager and bartender at Delgado's Mexican Restaurant where he was known for making one of the best margaritas in town!  He was a wonderful cook.  Jon’s holiday meals were a family tradition – from a first course of Greek olive salad to dessert of Sicilian cuccidati.  Every meal was served with his homemade Italian bread.  Jon cherished the traditions and genealogy of his German father and Greek and Sicilian mother, and he loved celebrating Christmas.  Jon’s Christmas tree decorations were legendary.  Every year, he created a themed tree worthy of a magazine cover.

After successful careers in sales and restaurant management, Jon became a professional patient advocate and caregiver for his father, Bernard L. Oltman, until Bernard’s death in 2007. He served his dear mother, Helen Jane (Condis) Oltman, in the same capacity until his final hospitalization.  His focus on terminology, therapies, and compliance earned him the respect and admiration of the compassionate health care professionals who treat his mother and who cared for him at UCM.

Jon’s optimism to the very end was an inspiration to his beloved family.  He is survived by his mother, Helen Jane (Condis) Oltman of Pekin, IL; his brother, Stephen Oltman, and sister-in-law, Cynthia Oltman; two nephews, Christopher Oltman and Michael Oltman, all of Edwardsville, IL.  He cherished and was cherished by many cousins.  Jon’s father, Bernard Oltman, and his brother, Timothy Kris Oltman preceded him in death.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 11, 2016 at Glendale Memorial Garden in Pekin, IL.  A lunch reception to honor Jon’s life will follow. 

Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Bladder Cancer Awareness Network at www.bcan.org

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.preston-hanley.com