Oliver "Ollie" John Kolkmann

Oliver "Ollie" Kolkmann, a former appraiser and resident of Willits, CA, passed away suddenly on December 20th, 2023, in the ICU at the Ukiah Valley Medical Center.

Ollie is survived by his beloved wife, Arlene Kolkmann (nèe Lotz); his treasured children, Bryan, Lyndah, and Randy; twelve much-loved grandchildren; many cherished great-grandchildren; and his brother, Harry Kolkmann. He was preceded in death by his mother, Edythe Kolkmann; father, Robert Kolkmann; brother, Brad Kolkmann; and sister, Joyce Kolkmann.

Born August 2nd, 1935, Ollie, the eldest of four children, was raised in San Leandro by Edythe and Robert Kolkmann. He graduated from San Leandro High in 1952 and went to UC Berkeley where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the School of Forestry in 1958, the same year he married the love of his life, Arlene Lotz. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the army and, as a college-educated Conscientious Objector, was assigned as an English teacher for servicemen who hadn't completed high school. Ollie and Arlene welcomed their first child, Bryan, into the world in 1959, their second, Lyndah in 1960, and their third, Randy, in 1965.

An avid birder, Ollie was known as "The Birdman of Mendocino County" and wrote a book entitled "The Birds of Mendocino County". He had the astounding ability to identify nearly any birds in the area and abroad based on sight or sound and could imitate the calls of many. His identification abilities also extended to plants, for which he could give both scientific and common names.

Ollie was a very kind and caring individual; he always had a card or flowers to offer support to loved ones as they went through life events, and he was quick to step in and pay for a meal or help with other expenses. Ollie found great happiness in providing for others, such as he did for Arlene during their 65 years of marriage, and he loved stepping in to fill gaps for his children and grandchildren, as well as for friends and the community. He was highly involved in the community, regularly participating in events, and had personal relationships with many, including weekly coffee and breakfast runs with several different friend groups and individual friends.

People who knew Ollie recognized him for his devoted attention to the environment and his practice of picking up litter alongside the roadways. Ollie made daily excursions to pick up various newspapers throughout the town as he appreciated a comprehensive view of current events. Although not all in the area knew Ollie personally, most recognized him by sight due to his consistent presence in the community. Ollie will be missed by many as his life touched many hearts.

Ollie Kolkmann's life will be celebrated on January 9th at the Ukiah Seventh-day Adventist Church. There will be a viewing in the Chapel beginning at 1 pm, a funeral service in the Sanctuary at 2 pm, and a graveside service at *3 pm in the Russian River Cemetery. A potluck dinner for family and friends will follow the graveside service in the Ukiah Junior Academy gymnasium at approximately *4 pm.

*These times are approximate.