Obituary of Gary R. Oltmer

Gary was born to Clarence and Lola Oltmer in Sacramento, CA and passed away peacefully on Jan. 13, 2011 with loved ones by his side. He graduated as Class President and Valedictorian from Norte Del Rio High School in 1960, and, thereafter, attended UC Berkeley. After opening a Spaghetti House in San Luis Obispo, he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Paris, France. Upon his honorable discharge from the military, he spent a year travelling to Morocco and throughout Europe. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts and a Master's Degree in Social Work from Sac State. His empathy, kindheartedness, and understanding led him to his work with the Stanford Home for Children and a career with Sacramento County Mental Health Services as a social worker/counselor until his early retirement in 1984 after surviving heart bypass surgery. Gary was a loving and caring friend to many, always lending a compassionate, listening ear. He is survived by his two dogs who added so much to his life, Buddy and Missy; a sister, Joan Walthoff; three nieces: Jean Wells, Debbie Young, and Deanna Gil; a nephew, Jim Walthoff; several great and grand nieces and nephews; and many, many friends who became his chosen family. Memorial contributions can be made to a charity that serves disadvantaged youth.