Hollis L. Oltz Sr.

Hollis (Hollie) Oltz Sr., 74 of Danby passed away on February 20, 2026 after a relentless battle with kidney disease. Born in Ithaca on June 13, 1951, Hollis was the son of the late Leon A. and Elosia Oltz. He was a 1969 graduate of Ithaca High School.

Hollie was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting most of all. He loved sharing jokes with friends, family, and strangers. He started his working career at Cornell in the grounds crew during high school, followed by becoming a Tompkins County Deputy Sheriff. He also worked at the New York State Parks, L’Auberge Du Cochon Rouge, Beechtree (Reconstruction Home), and the Ramada Inn over the years eliciting laughs all along the way.

Hollie is survived by his beloved children, sons Hollis Oltz Jr., and Tim Ellis, daughter McKenna Bovard (Mikirai), brother Melford Oltz (Peg), sister Beth Wilcox (Scott), stepsisters Janet Miller (Howard) and Fran Enders, as well as grandchildren Kevin Nickerson II, Justin Bovard, and Gage Ellis, as well as several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, beloved daughter, Laureen Nickerson, brother Fred Oltz, sister Loxie Hill, stepmother Betty Oltz, and stepbrother Vernon Underwood.

Thank you to the DaVita Dialysis team for their care and enjoying his humor over the many years.

A Funeral will be held at the Danby Community Church on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 with calling hours 10am-11am followed by a service at 11am, and reception in the church hall at 12pm. Burial will be later in Danby Rural Cemetery.