Alexander Tyler Woltkamp

Alexander T. Woltkamp, of Oakdale, passed away Friday, May 19, 2017, while at Stanford University Medical Center in Palo Alto, CA. He was a mere 26 years young, but he lived life to the fullest and never took a moment for granted. Alex was born in Lodi, CA to Tim Woltkamp and Andrea Hayles.

Alex grew up in Clements riding dirt bikes and playing basketball and football in his younger years. He was a member of the Clements Buckaroos from 1996-2005, where he was involved in junior rodeo.

In 2003, Alex became very ill after developing idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and was transferred to Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital. It soon became apparent that the only way for Alex to survive would be to receive a heart transplant. By the grace of God, there was a donor just 36 hours after Alex was placed on the transplant list. The donor was a 13-year-old girl, whose family still stays in touch with Alex’s. Being a heart transplant recipient allowed Alex to continue his life, always pushing the limits and enjoying every moment.

Alex graduated from Oakdale High School in 2008 and later went on to graduate from WyoTech in Laramie, WY, with his Associate’s Degree in Diesel Technology. Shortly after, he moved back to Oakdale and started his career at CarMax in Modesto. Alex enjoyed his work, but his true passions were his hobbies. He loved his Harley and had skills like no other, when it came to riding that bike. His favorite thing to do was wheelie and burn out, doing them every chance he got. In his more recent years, Alex took up collecting guns and perfecting his shooting skills. He not only liked to shoot them, but he also liked to build them. He was very fond of survival skills, always sure to do research, and do everything to the best of his ability. Alex had many friends and was a person that many people looked up to. He faced his challenges with great courage and determination, all while having a humble spirit.

Alex met his wife, Katie, in spring of 2013 and quickly realized their connection was one like no other. Alex’s mom knew Katie was the one when Alex brought her to a routine checkup at Stanford, in May of 2013. From the moment they went on their first date, Alex and Katie were inseparable. They were married just one short year ago on April 30, 2016, what a truly special day that was. Everyone who knew Alex knows that he and Katie were best friends, soul mates, and that the love they shared was contagious. Love radiated in both of their smiles.  As Katie says, Alex made all their dreams come true, including the birth of their baby girl, Bren Alexandra, born May 12, 2017, just one week before Alex passed away.

Alex had been hospitalized for testing, the day before Bren’s birth, due to new onset complications from valve surgery last November, but was fortunate enough to leave Stanford and be by Katie’s side for the delivery.  He was home with Katie and Bren, making memories as a family, through Mother’s Day weekend before returning to Stanford for further testing. That weekend will be forever cherished by Katie, as she and Alex bonded with baby Bren.

Alex is survived by his loving wife, Katie Woltkamp; daughter, Bren Woltkamp; mother and stepfather, Andrea and Anthony Hayles; father and stepmother, Tim and Jennifer Woltkamp; brother, Austin Woltkamp; half-sister, Rylee Woltkamp; paternal grandparents, Chuck and Sydney Woltkamp; maternal grandparents, Cel and Debbie Lorenzi, and Jim and Cindy Walters.

Alex will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. He was the kind of young man that anyone would be proud to call son, grandson, husband, daddy, brother, or friend.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Franklin and Downs Funeral Home in Modesto. A viewing will be held Thursday, June 1st, at Franklin and Downs Funeral Home from 4-8 pm. The graveside service will be held Friday, June 2nd, at Lakewood Memorial Park in Hughson, beginning at 9:30 am. A Celebration of Life will follow from 12-4pm at the Elks Lodge in Modesto. 

In lieu of flowers should friends desire, contributions may be sent to the Go Fund Me account set up for Alex’s wife Katie and daughter Bren; https://www.gofundme.com/alex-woltkamp-memorial-fund.