OU sophomore remembered for smiles, hockey skills

by Erica Ryan
Staff Writer

Known for his ever-present smile and talent in the hockey rink, Ohio University sophomore Spencer Oltmann was remembered yesterday by his friends and mother.

Oltmann, a 19-year-old University College student, was found dead at about 6:34 p.m. Monday night in his room in Armbruster House on South Green.

The cause of death has not yet been determined. Athens County Coroner Scott Jenkinson could not be reached for comment.

Dee Gray, OU Police Department communications officer, said no new developments have occurred in the case since Monday night.

Counseling has been made available to students, said Frank Robinson, assistant director of Residence Life for South Green.

Oltmann is survived by his mother, Gloria, of Upper Arlington, Ohio; his father, Elmer, of Lebanon, Ohio; one sister, Meagan, and a brother-in-law, Jameson Burrik of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.

Funeral services will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Upper Arlington, Gloria Oltmann said. Donations can be made in Spencer's name at any Fifth Third Bank.

"He's going to be dearly missed by many, especially his family," Ms. Oltmann said. "He was very lucky to be going to OU, where he met so many wonderful friends."

OU sophomore Jake Sigal said he has known Oltmann since the two played in a traveling hockey league before college. "I played hockey with Spence for close to eight years," he said.

Oltmann played intramural hockey last year as well, said Sigal, Oltmann's roommate during their freshman year. Friends Oltmann made through hockey are scattered all over.

"He was always a really great guy," Sigal said. "I've had guys call from as far away as Wisconsin asking about him."

His mother said Oltmann worked hard for his grades. "He had a wonderful work ethic," she said. "And he made his mom laugh a lot."

The university community should be supportive as family and friends go through this tough time, said Terry Hogan, OU dean of students.

"It's a tremendous tragedy for Spencer's family to lose someone they love," he said.

Throughout their grieving, friends relived their positive memories of Oltmann.

"He was always a really stand-up guy, very outgoing, and always had a smile," Sigal said.