Allan Dean Oertle Sr. (Big Al)

It is with great sadness and very heavy hearts that we announce the loss of Allan Dean Oertle Sr. He passed on April 15, 2026, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Al was born on August 8, 1950, in Aberdeen, SD, but spent most of his youth in California. He was a very young 75.

Al was an extremely wonderful husband, who never missed an opportunity to show his love and devotion to his wife of nearly 31 years, Vivian Vertrees Oertle. He was a loving father to his two wonderful sons, Allan (Shannon) Oertle Jr. and Matthew Shaw. He was also a proud grandfather to 5 amazing grandchildren: Peyton, Parker and Piper Oertle, and Charley and Dash Shaw. He was incredibly proud of all of his children and grandchildren.

Al never met a stranger, always had a smile on his face and a desire to spread joy, and was ready to lend a hand – and they were big hands – he was a gentle, loving giant of a man. He was gifted in so many ways. There was not much he couldn’t fix, often saying “If I can’t fix it, it must not be broke.” He was a facilitator with a wide network, often bringing people together to meet their mutual needs.

He enjoyed life and had many hobbies over the years. He most loved riding his motorcycle with his friends, meeting with the OFF Club (Old Farts Feasting), driving his Slingshot, sailing, and flying RC planes. He belonged to the Hardin County Radio Control Modelers and the Louisville Area Soaring Society sailplane club.

He was a Vietnam and Army veteran. After leaving the military, he spent most of his remaining work years as a truck driver and owner operator, logging over 3 million miles through the years, yet he nearly always managed to be home when most needed.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Darlene Anderson Smith; his brother, Clayton Strand; and his daughter, Tawny Marie Gold.

Besides his wife and sons, he leaves behind a sister, Julie Eslinger; his nephews, Jason and Eric Eslinger; an uncle, Jerome Anderson; a sister, Georgia Bennett; two nieces, Jody and Tracy; a sister-in-law, Joyce Hicks (who affectionately called him Big Bubba because he was so much like a brother to her); a brother-in-law, Michael (Melesa) Vertrees; nephews, Wyatt and Brent Vertrees; and a great niece and nephew, Isabelle and Levi Vertrees; many “in-law” aunts and cousins who claimed him as one of their own; and so, so many dear and wonderful friends.

To honor Al’s memory, perform an act of kindness and help your family, friends and neighbors whenever possible. It was the way Al lived.

There will be a celebration of life at a later date.