Donald "Don" Ollmann

Born November 24, 1931, as the only child of William “Bill” and Ruth Reed Ollmann, Donald “Don” Ollmann started his 90-year earthly journey in Amboy, Illinois, living there through his freshman year of high school, where he was class president. He then moved to Tama, Iowa with his parents, graduating from Tama High School in 1949 and worked locally as a mechanic. He did not wait long to join the Air Force, enlisting in 1950, and starting a career in aircraft welding and fabrication that would span over 28 years, seven states, and multiple countries. One of those assignments, to Sculthorpe RAF Station, England, resulted in him meeting and marrying the love of his life, June Roper, in 1955. Three years and an assignment to Oklahoma later, they welcomed their first child, Denise, and down the road a couple of assignments with a return to Alconbury AFB, England, daughter number two, Darci, joined the family. Besides his family, Don was passionate about his country, the Air Force, and airplanes. Being on the flight line and making sure his aircraft were in top shape was a joy for him; even the B-52’s in -40 degree weather in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Malmstrom was his last stateside assignment as the flight line was still in full swing with the 17th DSES, and after a remote assignment to Korea he decided Great Falls was a good place to retire, which he did in January 1979 at the rank of CMSGT. Not being one to really “retire,” he went to work for Boeing based out of Conrad, Montana until that project ended, and then spent many years working for Edges Unlimited. While he enjoyed all of the bill- paying jobs, his favorite job was paid in hugs and kisses as he and June took care of the grandkids, and the grand-dogs, as they grew up. He was a fixture on the route to Sacajawea Elementary School through 3 grandkids spanning 14 years; could walk a dog and push a swing for hours, and played a mean game of checkers. Always humble, generous, and kind, he was giving of his time, knowledge, and possessions with those who needed them. Appropriately, with his love of our country and it being a favorite holiday, Don left us on July 4, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Ruth Ollmann, and is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, June; daughters, Denise (Alan) Wegner and Darci (Doug) Neil; grandchildren, Blaize Wegner, Witne Neil (Shawn Krug), and Kody (Kate) Neil; great-grandchildren, Cerek Krug, Kayden Neil, and Kali Neil; and his furry bestie, Bella. A family gathering in remembrance of Don will be held at a later date. Should you wish to celebrate him with a memorial, please do so with an organization close to your heart.