Gerald Oertli

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father Gerald (Jerry) Lloyd Oertli of Billings on Sunday June 30, 2024. He was born May 21, 1952, to Betty and Lloyd Oertli in Missoula. He passed away at home from esophageal cancer, with the love of his life by his side.

Jerry's youth was spent in the mountains and rivers of western Montana along with many family gatherings at the Chappell farm outside of Pompey's Pillar. He and his cousins played, swam in the canal, and managed to get into lots of trouble: classic in that what one didn't think of, another surely would. Jerry's father died in a work accident when Jerry was only seven, which was to impact him for the rest of his life.

On May 19, 1979, Jerry married Pat Tully on her family's ranch in the Bull Mountains north of Billings. Jerry and Pat spent the summer they were married in the Adirondack mountains in upstate New York at Camp Forestcraft, where Jerry was the all-around handyman. He worked closely with Uncle Bengt Ohman, and they often joked that someday they would open their own garage - The O O Garage. Jerry celebrated his recent 45th wedding anniversary with Pat by presenting her with a bouquet of 45 roses, one bouquet of many he had gifted her throughout their years together. Jerry was a kind and thoughtful man and Pat stayed steadfastly by his side until the end. They celebrated the birth of their first child, Wendy Rae on July 27, 1980, followed by Christine Adele on May 12, 1982, and finally, Robert Tanner, born September 10, 1985.

Jerry was a prodigious reader and able to talk knowledgeably about many subjects. He was self-taught in carpentry and woodworking, as in most areas, but in his later years he was not hesitant to use YouTube! He could problem-solve any plumbing, electrical, or construction issue with the best of them, and the same was true for automotive issues until everything became computerized. He was the type of man that family and friends would call for help, and he would always be willing. He was proud of every job he had: delivering papers in Hot Springs, MT as a boy, working for Transport Inc. with his uncle Marvin Brown, working as right hand man and gardener for Malcolm Long, owning his own remodeling and construction business, Heirloom Builders, and working for Enterprise Maintenance and Construction for his good friend Dan Hickey up until his retirement. One of Jerry's favorite times was spent on a yearly fishing trip to Hebgen Lake with a group of men, often catching more laughs than fish.

He dearly loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and they all brought him immense pride and joy. He prioritized love and bonds of family and focused on strengthening those bonds. He spent endless hours making sure our childhoods were filled with love, attention, and countless memory making activities that we cherish to this day. He would even get upset if one of us called him by his name and not ‘dad' or ‘papa' because, as he said, not using those strips away the relationship they are indicative of. He and our mom made sure we each felt heard, appreciated, and loved at all times. Our family bonds are strong because of their efforts; which will reverberate for years as we attempt to instill the same in our children. His last thoughts were for his grands and great grands and for them to know that this family is one of love. It was so important to him that they know how very much he loved each one of them.

He is survived by Christine and her boys Antonio (Izabell), Aerick, and Israel; by Dr. R. Tanner (Claire) and their boys Anderson and Crew Thomas with Baby O due in August; by Wendy's children Iyanna (Pito) and their girls Olleyessa and Ximena with Baby Boy due in October; and Kellen and Harlo and Kannon. Jerry is also survived by Pat, his sister Jane (Scott) and children Jen Ryan, Adam, and Janelle, his sister Sandy, aunt Lois, niece Dominique, and many cousins. As well as Pat's family to whom he was close including Tom and Barbara, Jenny (Jerry Hansen) and son Matt (Katie), Fran and Dan, Pete and Rhonda, and many good friends such as Liz and Kevin and their children Tierney, Aidan, and Seanan, Jean and daughters Megan and Hannah, and Dan and Lindalee and their family.

Sadly, Jerry and Pat lost their daughter, Wendy, just a year ago. Jerry and Wendy being together now gives those of us left behind much solace. Also going before him was his brother Brad, sister Valerie, parents Lloyd Oertli, Betty and Miles Garrison, in-laws Joan and Bob Tully, and many beloved aunts and uncles.

A Recognition of a Life Well Lived will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday July 13, 2024, in the Fellowship Hall of Mayflower Church 2940 Poly Drive, Billings. Reception to follow. Internment at a later date. Donations would be welcome to American Cancer Society, ATTN: Relay for Life of Yellowstone County, P.O. Box 20893, Billings MT 59104, In memory of Jerry Oertli.