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.
Gary and Tina Power (B 2/7 66-67) says
Sorry to here about Larry , a brave fellow veteran and friend. I was proud to know him. Garry Owen.
Heidi Curry says
La La & family. I’m very sorry for your loss. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May God’s grace shine upon you. Much love, Heidi
Carl Schmeckpeper says
Larry you will be missed by many. Iam very proud to know you , will see ya soon Carl S.
Carl Schmeckpeper says
Larry you will be missed by all of our plattoon. God bless Carl
Dexter Judd says
It was an honor to have know him and to have served with him in Vietnam. A “Brother” loved and respected by all.
Cathie Garza says
Lorry, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your dad raised a beautiful and caring daughter and you served him well and did him proud. I’ll keep your family in my prayers and pray for peace and strenth.
Jim "Doc" Bryant says
My sincere condolences to Larry’s family. I was honored to have served with Larry in the 1st platoon, B. Company, 2/7,1st Cavalry, VietNam 1966/67. What a great guy. Garry Owen Ortel, we’ll miss you but never forget you.
Fred Schaaff says
My deepest sympathy to Larry’s family. I served with Larry during 1967 with the First Cavalry division in Vietnam and was fortunate to see him at several reunions over the years. A fine soldier and a good friend. Rest in peace Larry, I shall miss you.
Sharon Donovan Rief says
Betsy, Eleanor and Family,
My thoughts and Prayers are with you. May the wonderful memories you had as a family sustain you during the days ahead. Tarz was a super guy,loved by so many. From Holy Name to St. Catherine’s and beyond. His smile and joy
of Life will live on in the Heart’s of those who had the
Honor to cross his path. God Bless You Larry!
Sincerely,
Sharon Donovan Rief
Phyllis Matheson says
Phyllis Matheson says
I was so happy that you brought Tarz down for a visit. It was a great week and really got to know him. I’m sorry for the family but glad he is out of his pain. Love you all.
Gary Jacobson, B 2/7 1st Air Cavalry says
Larry and I were best friends in a hard place, serving with the 1st Air Cavalry in Vietnam, where we shared many a foxhole, and humped the jungle. We laughed and we feared in a hostile environment, and always watched each others back. I fondly recall our “great Koolaid Caper” where we finagled a case of Kool Aid and filled everyone’s canteens in the platoon. Beaucoup pictures of Larry and I and his brothers-in-arms can be found in my “Vietnam Picture Tour,” http://namtour.com/namtour.html
I love you brother, Larry, and will hold you close to my heart forever, until our big reunion when my life too ends.
Gary Jacobson B 2/7 1st AIr CAV '67 says
Larry and I were best friends in a hard place, serving with the 1st Air Cavalry in Vietnam, where we shared many a foxhole. We laughed and we feared in that hostile environment, and watched each others back. I fondly recall our “great Koolaid Caper” where we finagled a case of Kool Aid and filled everyone’s canteens in the platoon. Beaucoup pictures of Larry and I and his brothers-in-arms can be found in my “Vietnam Picture Tour.” I love you, Larry, and will hold you close to my heart forever, until our big reunion when my life too ends.
Gail Heflen Otwaska says
I’m sorry for your loss and
what Tarz had to go thru.
We were classmates at St. Cat’s Class of 1964.
He was a great guy, and sure kept many of his really good friends.