Charles W. “Chuck” Oertli passed away peacefully at his beloved home on March 23, 2025. In 1943, he met his partner for life, Sue Birk. They enjoyed a full life together before she preceded him, passing in 2023. He is survived by his three children, Roger, Gary and Gale Oertli, his eight grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Chuck loved his family, friends, work and, of course, golf. Chuck graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He started his career as a test engineer for General Electric before joining Guarantee Electrical in 1954. Through the decades, his innovative leadership, curiosity, high standards and love of the people and work, created the Guarantee Family spirit that endures today. Some of his fondest and proudest memories were from his connections and accomplishments made at Guarantee; however, golf was always a close second. Chuck was a past president and member of Sunset Country Club for seventy-four years. He lived and breathed golf and regaled us with stories from just about every golf course ever built. Chuck was a big promoter of St. Louis, served on multiple boards and supported many organizations, such as the Missouri Botanical Garden, Science Center, History Museum, Art Museum, Zoo, and Tower Grove Park. Chuck started and became president of the South County YMCA, served on the board at Deaconess Hospital, National Graphics and the inaugural board at the St. Louis Science Center. If you would like to honor Chuck and his passion for the sciences, please consider sending a tribute to The Danforth Plant Science Center (danforthcenter.org) or the St. Louis Science Center (slsc.org/join-give).
My condolences to the family of a fine gentleman. I would say rest in peace, but don’t think Chuck could ever rest.
Went to high school with Chuck and Sue. Long time friends. I tried to get him to come live at The Willows but he wanted to stay close to Sunset.
He will be missed.