Visitation
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM CST
Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home
Racine Location
803 Main St.
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 634-7888
Driving Directions
Service
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
1:00 PM CST
Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home
Racine Location
803 Main St.
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 634-7888
Driving Directions
Contributions
At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105
Life Story / Obituary
Dennis D. Oertel is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior, with his son Eric and his parents. He was 78 yrs. old. He passed away on January 9th, 2024.
He was born in Winter Haven, FL and moved to Racine when he was one year old with his parents Clifford and Juanita Oertel.
He met his future wife while attending Park High School and was united in marriage in 1965 to Dianne Cowan at St. Rose Church in Racine, WI.
He left behind his wife, Dianne (Cowan) Oertel, his daughter, Lisa (Scott) Acker. Grandchildren, Brandon, Jonathan, and Alyssa Acker. Brother Mike (Sue) Oertel, niece Melisa Oertel and nephew Kurt (Jenny) Oertel, Patrick and Paige Oertel. Also, very close friends, Mike, and Heidi Zirnhelt, were more like family. Also, many other friends and relatives are too numerous to mention.
Dennis asked Jesus Christ into his life in the early 70’s. He was a leader in AWANA, was a helper to many people. He was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church in Wisconsin Rapids.
He worked at J.I. Case as a machine repairman and tool and die maker. Left Case and went to Chrysler where he retired from. Took a part time job at the DNR in the Wildlife Division. He loved the outdoors. A hunter and fisherman. Loved going to Eagle River, WI and Necedah, WI.
After his retirement in 2010 he finally got to live his dream. Moved to Necedah where he had a little homestead. Raised chickens and rabbits, had a vegetable garden, orchard and was surrounded by woods. He also loved his 3 dogs, Dixie, Archie and Willie.
In addition to his son and parents he was preceded in death by his in-laws Lewis and Rose Cowan.
Funeral services will be held at Maresh Meredith Funeral Home in Racine, WI on Tuesday, January 23rd. Visitation from 12-1:00pm service starts at 1:00pm. Pastor Jack Austin from Calvary Baptist Church in Wisconsin Rapids officiating. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Dennis’ favorite charity, St Jude.
Homeward bound up to that sweet forever,
A place where there will never be a tear,
Homeward bound, where I’ll sing of love’s sweet story.
Up there in heaven’s glory I’ll be found.
I’m homeward bound.