Illinois Championship Show Dedication 2011

Illinois Holstein President Kevin Wendling, and Lila Sloan representing the Smith Family, present Lee Oltmanns and his wife Stella, with the 2011 Show Dedication. This year's award was present in memory of the late Wilmer Smith of Clearfield Holsteins, Davis, Ill.

Lee Oltmanns, Nokomis, Ill.

The 2011 Illinois Championship Holstein Show is being dedicated to Lee Oltmanns of Nokomis, Ill. This year, the award is being presented in memory of Wilmer Smith of Clearfield Holsteins, Davis, Ill. Wilmer was a long-time Holstein member and exhibitor at the state show.
Lee became involved in the dairy industry early in life when he began breeding cows for SIDA in 1962. In 1968, he took over dairying at his father’s farm.
Lee has been involved at the Illinois Championship Holstein Show for nearly 30 years, helping in various ways ringside. From getting cattle checked-in to providing noise for that perfect picture, Lee has always been willing to lend a hand, or shovel, to get the job done.
Lee also has been an independent A.I. distributor for the past 30 years, traveling throughout southern Illinois and making his rounds at shows and sales in Illinois.
He has served on the Executive Committee of the Illinois Holstein Association and was on the Tour Committee for 25 years. He has also served on the PDCA Committee and State Sale Committee.
Lee is married to Stella, and together they have two grown children, Steven and Sandy, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Lee and Stella have traveled with the University of Illinois dairy spring break group to multiple countries and states.
Lee stays active in community events, serving on several local boards and is very involved with the United Church of Christ.