Oliver Renard Goltra

Oliver Renard Goltra, 81, passed away on Friday, June 21, 2024. Born March 31, 1943 to William Brown Goltra and Pauline Seipp Goltra. His grandfather, Edward Field Goltra, was one of the founders of American Steel Foundries, and his great-grandfather Edward G. Uihlein was one of the four original owners of Jos. Schlitz Brewing Company. Ren grew up in Barrington, Ill. and attended high school at Deerfield Academy (‘62). He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, a deep devotion to his immediate and extended family, and a kindness and warmth that was shared with all who knew him.

Ren had the unique talent of making friends everywhere he went. At grocery stores in town, the post office, even the people seated next to him in restaurants, Ren created cheerful connections with others. His impact on the people in his life spanned far and wide.

In 1976 he married Alice Cotsworth and during 47 years of marriage they were rarely apart. The two settled in Lake Forest where they started a family. With a mutual love for travel the couple spent many happy years exploring the globe often with their children in tow. Ren had a love of the outdoors and had many adventures including snow skiing, sailing, racing cars and climbing mountains such as Mt. Kilimanjaro.

The family has happy memories of summers spent in Minocqua. Ren loved the town and contributed to its development including Otto’s, famous for the best brats north of Sheboygan. Ren focused his professional career as the president of Goltra Castings and was also passionate about real estate development throughout Colorado.

Ren cared for his community and held many civic positions serving as a Lake Forest alderman, board member of Lake Forest Country Day School, Lake Forest Open Lands, Lake Forest College and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Ren was the beloved husband of Alice, loving and devoted father of Carolyn, Andrew (Melissa) and special “Opa” to his granddaughters Katherine and Elizabeth.

A memorial service and celebration of a wonderful life will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, August 6, at The Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest, Ill.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lake Forest Open Lands or Lake Forest Country Day School.