GERALD “JERRY” OERTLE

JASPER- A graveside funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Friday, May 3, at Crocker Cemetery, for Gerald “Jerry” Oertle, 88, Jasper, who died Sunday, April 28, 2024, at St. Lukes Nursing Home in Carthage. Rev. Jarel Burnside will officiate.

The family will go in procession to the cemetery privately, where Mr. Oertle will arrive in his friend, Patrick Goodknight’s, wagon. Friends are asked to meet at the cemetery, with burial to follow.

A visitation will be held Friday, prior to the service, at Brenner Mortuary in Pittsburg Kan., beginning at 10 a.m.

Friends are invited to stop by the funeral home from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, to sign the book.

The family suggests memorials be given to the family to help defray expenses. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary.

Survivors include his wife Elaine, of the home. They were united in marriage on April 21, 1958 in Pittsburg, Kan. They have two children, Paula Redman and husband Terry, Jasper and Bob Oertle, Lamar and the late Melissa Oertle; five grandchildren, Lonni Boman, Jasper, Jarin Redman and wife April, Pittsburg, Kan., Justin Oertle, Columbus, Kan. and Lynsi Oertle, Lamar; three great-grandkids, Heston Boman aka Bud Bo and best friend of Jasper, Hayes Boman aka Peanut of Jasper and Laine Redman aka Punkin of Pittsburg. He is also survived by one sister, Wanda Porter and husband Joe, Pittsburg, Kan.

He was preceded in death by many family members who were, no doubt, anxiously awaiting his arrival. His daughter-in-law, Melissa, likely leading the party.

He was born February 2, 1936 to Paul and Irene (Blasier) Oertle and was a 1953 graduate of Mindenmines High School.

He spent most of his younger years farming and taking care of his mom and sister after his father was declared MIA in WWII when he was only eight years old. He later fell in love with welding. He owned Oertles Welding for well over 50 years. If he wasn’t working, you could find him sitting in front of his shop, doors open, Pepsi in hand, talking with friends who often traveled to Cossville to do just that.

Family and friends can only assume he inspected the Pearly Gates upon arrival and likely came up with a few modifications – as he did with most things. He could work magic with a piece of metal and his welder. If you were lucky enough to be a friend or acquaintance, the family is certain he has created something for you at some point. Perfection was always his goal and he took pride in everything he did. There was no project he wouldn’t attempt to tackle. He had amazing vision with anything presented to him. He retired from welding in June of 2022 at the age of 86.

Mr. Oertle was also an avid bowler, loved hunting with uncles, spent many hours fishing and weekends at Grand Lake.

He was a longtime member of the Frontier Wagon Club and had a love for Haflinger horses. He was also a founding member of the Western Missouri Teamsters.

Mr. Oertle was an amazing man with many friends and many acquaintances and a family that loved him beyond measure. If you knew him, you loved him, adored him, respected him or all the above.