Gerald "Jerry" Oertle, 88, of Jasper, MO, passed away on April 28, 2024, at St. Luke Nursing Home in Carthage, Missouri.
Jerry was an amazing man with many friends, 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.
Jerry was born February 2, 1936, to Paul and Irene (Blasier) Oertle. Jerry graduated from Mindenmines High School in 1953.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine, of the home. They were united in marriage on April 21, 1958, in Pittsburg, Kansas. They have two children, Paula (Terry) Redman of Jasper and Bob (the late Melissa) Oertle of Lamar; five grandchildren, Lonni Boman of Jasper, MO, Jarin (April) Redman of Pittsburg, KS, Justin Oertle of Columbus, KS, and Lynsi Oertle of Lamar, MO; 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. Jerry is also survived by one sister, Wanda (Joe) Porter of Pittsburg, KS.
Jerry 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.
Jerry 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 8 years old. He later fell in love with welding. Jerry owned Oertle's 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.
We 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, we are 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.
Jerry was also an avid bowler, loved hunting with uncles, and 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. Jerry was also a founding member of the Western Missouri Teamsters.
A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 3rd, at the Brenner Mortuary. A graveside funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. noon on Friday at Crocker Cemetery with Rev. Jarel Burnside officiating. The family will go in procession to the cemetery privately, where Jerry will be arriving in his friend, Patrick Goodknight's wagon. Friends are asked to meet at the cemetery. Burial will follow. Friends may come 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.
