In Loving Memory

GERALD E. (PAT) OERTLI

1929-2019

Gerald (Pat) Oertli, arrived at birth to Edward T. Oertli and Nina Knez in 1929.  They lived in Hamilton, MT., as he grew through his formative years here.  He graduated from Hamilton High School "The Class of 1947".  All his classmates became his life-long friends.  They created their own camaraderie that was to be admired.

His first job was wrangling horses in the Bitterroot Wilderness known as Lost Horse area.  Glen Hackney, was the Packer that said "for a ten year old boy all I, need for Patty, is a bag of rice and a can of milk".  Heading out of high school he walked into a fire camp and was hired to fight forest fires in the Bitterroot, MT., lightning strikes for the most part.  He also delivered telephone poles to the residents of the Joko Valley, with his uncle Buddy Knez.

Off to San Francisco, in 1948, connecting with employment at United Airlines, as a Mail Clerk.  He joined his Navy buddies in ship to shore leave for weekends on the town.  Donald Willy, was his closest friend there.  When he was asked by a Pharmacist boss to go to flight school in 1949, he got on his way to Spartan Aeronautics, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  He met J. Paul Getty, because he was the owner of the flight school.  This was where the Princes from Saudi Arabia, came to learn how to fly.  Coming home he joined Timber Spraying, in a "Piper Cub" over MT, ID, and OR. for the Forest Service.  Also, working at the Water Board, for a while in Surveyors Crew.

His last job was transitioned to Great Northern Pacific Railroad, as a Brakeman.  This Union Representative, in Helena, did all he could to make the working man respected.  Merging with Burlington Northern Railroad and Principal Operating Subsidiary BNSF.  This changed the lower rail line to Montana Rail Link.  Pat, stayed with Burlington Northern Railroad by moving to Whitefish, MT., he hired on as a Brakeman and retired as a Conductor.  Patrick, held his fellow Railroaders, in high regards.

He gave his heart to the Lord, as a very young man and became Alter boy, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church.  He is survived by his wife Paula Oertli, with numerous family members.  He loved them all individually.