Thomas William Oertel

Thomas William Oertel

Iowa City

Thomas William Oertel, age 89, of Iowa City, Iowa, passed away on December 12, 2025.

Born on July 15, 1936, in Keokuk, Iowa, he was the son of Fred Henry and Rachel Christine (John) Oertel.

Tom had a distinguished military career that took him across the United States and Europe. While stationed in Germany, he met the love of his life, Sigrid. The couple eventually settled in Iowa City, where they raised their family and operated their own business, Tom’s Carpets & Vinyls.

Tom was deeply committed to serving his community, particularly in North Liberty. He was an active community leader and a founding member of the Optimist Club. Tom also served as a Scoutmaster with Boy Scout Troop 216, where he mentored and guided countless young men. In addition, he dedicated many years of service on the North Liberty City Council, always striving to improve the community he loved and called home.

Tom was an avid golfer and fisherman who found great joy in the outdoors. He often said he was lucky to have such wonderful friends and neighbors to share his favorite pastimes with. Whether teeing off with his golf buddies or heading up to Canada, Tom made the most of every moment. Those fishing trips were anything but quiet — they were a riot on the waters with good company, fishing by day and playing cards late into the night. He cherished the laughter, the stories, and the friendships that made those times unforgettable.

Tom stayed active with Brown Deer Golf Club’s seniors league right to the end — even when he couldn’t play anymore, he still signed up just to track the results, cussing from his bedside because he knew he could beat every one of those guys.

He is survived by his wife, Sigrid Oertel; his son, Daniel Paul Oertel, and Daniel’s wife, Birgit Brecht; his daughter, Anita Anna Greenwell, and Anita’s husband, Matthew James Greenwell; and three beloved grandchildren: Alexandra Megan Oertel, Benjamin Daniel Greenwell, and Katharine Sigrid Greenwell. He is also survived by his nephews: Scot Hall, who was a tremendous help to Tom and Sigrid over the years; and Steve Hall and his wife, Cheryl Hall.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his three brothers, Fritz, Daniel, and Frank Oertel; and two sisters, Martha A. Fleshman and Susan Irene Betts.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, December 20, 2025, 12 – 3 pm at Brown Deer Golf Club 1900 Country Club Dr., Coralville, IA 52241

In accordance with his wishes, Tom donated his body to science through the University of Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Iowa City Hospice.