John Thomas Oertel

John Thomas Oertel peacefully passed away at his home in Boydton, VA at the age of 88, after fighting squamous cell carcinoma cancer on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. He was born on September 15th, 1935 in Anthon, IA, to the late Charles Frederick Oertel and Velma Hayworth Oertel. Tom proudly served in the U.S. Navy as a Sonar Technician Master Chief Petty Officer (STSCM) for 20 years. He worked as a scientist engineer on sonar equipment being developed for the Navy at Tracor before retiring. Tom was a dedicated member of the VFW Post 8163 and was known for his title as the Head Fish Fry Cook. Tom was the loving husband of the late Joyce Oertel and is survived by his daughter, Shelly Forbes (Dusty) of Baskerville, VA; son, Danny Lee Oertel (Deborah) of Chesapeake, VA; grandchildren, Whitney Oertel, Jordan Oertel, Jessica Queen (Chase), Holly Callahan (Jarrett); great grandchildren, Corbin, Paxton, Everrett, John and Amelia Joy; and brother, Charles Roger Oertel of Anthon, IA. He was preceded in death by his sister, Janet O. Kelsheimer, and his son, Scott Oertel. Tom was the valedictorian of his class at Anthon High School but his greatest joy and achievement was his role as Papa to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Tom enjoyed bowling on Wednesdays in the senior bowling league and called his team, Honey and Nutz. A memorial service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, June 22, 2024, in the chapel at Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home. Visitation will begin one hour before the service. Inurnment will take place at a later date. Arrangements are provided by Watkins-Cooper-Lyon Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the VFW Post 8163, Lake Country SPCA, or Mecklenburg Cancer Society in John's memory.