Racine- Lawrence Donald Oertel, 67, affectionately known to family and friends as "Tarz", passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, May 11, 2012 with loved ones at his side following a courageous battle with cancer.

A lifetime resident, Tarz was born in Racine on January 15, 1945 to Lawrence R. and Elizabeth (nee: Kjornes) Oertel. A 1964 graduate of St. Catherine's High School, he attended UW – Stevens Point until he was drafted by the United States Army to serve in the Vietnam War.

While in Vietnam from 1966-68, Tarz served as an expert marksman and was awarded the Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and various marksman awards.

Tarz was the President and Principle of Racine Aluminum, Inc. until his retirement. Catholic by faith, he was a longtime member of St. Richard (Holy Name) and St. Lucy Parishes. Proud of his military career, Tarz was a member of VFW Post #1391 and Vietnam Veterans Post #767. Among his interests, was cooking; shopping on the internet; golfing; fishing; travelling; and entertaining- especially hosting cookouts, card parties and his famous pizza parties. He loved going for breakfast at Pias' Restaurant almost daily. Adventurous to say the least, even with a terminal diagnosis, Tarz travelled to Florida this past February and Las Vegas last month. His biggest love was spending time with his granddaughters.

Surviving are his children, Lorry (John) Matheson, Ronald Oertel and Jean (Ryan) Josie; grandchildren, Maggie Oertel, Paige Culbertson; Clare and Reece Josie; and Mark and Monica Matheson; beloved mother, Elizabeth Oertel; sisters, Eleanor (Gene) Thompson, Betsy (Mark) Miller, Pam (Jim) Jorgenson, Sally (Fred) Brooks, Mary Jo (Phil) Klamm and Jane (Keith) Soko; aunts, uncles, cousins, many nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. Tarz was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence R. Oertel; and step-father, Herman "Red" DeLitz.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 12:00 noon in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow in Graceland Cemetery. In accordance with the wishes of Tarz, a pizza party will follow at Meadowbrook Country Club. Visitation will be in the church on Thursday from 10 am – 12:00 noon. In memory of Tarz, memorials to Hospice Alliance or the MACC Fund have been suggested.

A special thank you to Rich and "Cousin Peter" for all they have done for our Dad and family, especially over the past two years. A heartfelt note of thanks to the incredible staff of Hospice Alliance, for the compassionate care, patience and support given in our Dad's time of need. Your kindness and generosity will never be forgotten.