Janesville – James L. Oertel, 75, received the promise of eternal life on Monday, October 7, 2013.  He was born in Racine on August 8, 1938, son of the late Theodore and Theresa (nee: Brodek) Oertel.

James was united in marriage to the love of his life, Marilyn Williams, on August 15, 1959, at Epiphany Lutheran Church.

James attended Park High School in Racine.  He was employed by Styberg Engineering Company in Racine until 1976.  He was a union officer for the Local 627 IAM while working for Styberg.  James then was employed with General Motors for over 16 years in Oak Creek until his retirement.   He was a union member of Local 1866 UAW.  James and Marilyn moved to Ferryville on the Mississippi River after his retirement.  Ten years later, they moved to Janesville.  James was a dedicated volunteer for RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) in Janesville.  He spent many hours making crafts and baby hats for the families supported by RSVP.  In his free time, he and his family loved to go camping.  James favorite camping destination was the Blue Ridge Mountains in Kentucky.  He was a loving family man and cherished the time spent with his family.  James will be dearly missed.

James leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 54 years, Marilyn Oertel of Janesville; son, Daniel Oertel of Sturtevant; daughter, LeAnn Oertel of Sheboygan; grandson, Eric Oertel, currently a football player for the Washington State University Cougars; numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends too numerous to mention.

In addition to his parents, James is preceded in death by two infant brothers.

A celebration of James's life will be held on Friday, October 11, 2013, 11:00am, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating.  Visitation will be from 10:00am until the time of the service.  Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery.