Milton Oltjenbruns

    Milton Kenneth Oltjenbruns died Dec. 7, 2018, at Melissa Memorial Hospital in Holyoke at the age of 98.
    Milton was born Aug. 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 southwest 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 71 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; 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, and 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 was scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 12, at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Holyoke, with Pastor Gary Rahe officiating. Interment was set to follow at the Amherst Cemetery.  
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial donations be earmarked for Zion Lutheran Church; Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri; or Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana.
    Baucke Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.