Joseph A. Oertli

Joseph A. Oertli was born October 5, 1933 to Marie and Jacob Oertli. He lived in Milwaukee until the age of 12, when the family moved to Omaha. He graduated from Creighton Prep in Omaha, and St. Paul’s Seminary in St. Paul, MN. He served parishes in Nebraska and was Director of Pastoral Care at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha. From 1977-1981, he was a Family Counselor at Family Guidance Center, St. Joseph, MO. In Iowa, Joe continued his work in substance abuse programs and counseling services. He was the Director of treatment centers in Onawa, Harlan, and Denison. In Des Moines, he was a Substance Abuse Counselor at IUAP and MCAT, also serving on the Iowa Board for Substance Abuse Counselors. Before retiring in 2006, he worked for nine years as a Counselor in the Newton Correctional Facility. Joe was a past president of the Northwest Optimist Club in Des Moines and was a life member of Optimist International. He was active in youth programs of the Optimist Club. Joe was a member of Holy Trinity Church and the Knights of Columbus. He served several years as a Lector and Minister of the Eucharist. Joe enjoyed volunteering in his retirement years. For several years he was a volunteer at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum and the Family Readiness Program of BTroop 1-113 CAV.

Joe passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 16, 2020 at Kenny Brook Village in Grimes, Iowa at the age of 86. The family wishes to thank the staff of Kenny Brook and Suncrest Hospice for the compassionate care they showed Joe during his time with them.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife Laverne and son Thomas (Anna), and two grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of life on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Iowa Chapter.

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