Robert Clark Oetzel, 85, Certified Rosarian, an avid fisherman and hunter
Robert Clark Oetzel, 85 years of age, a 60 year resident of South Amherst, passed away Monday, February 24, 2003 at Amherst Hospital ER following a sudden illness. He was born October 27, 1917 in Milan, Ohio where he was raised and graduated from Milan High School and made his home in Amherst for the last 1 1/2 years.He was a Chief Petty Officer in the US Navy during World War II serving in Pearl Harbor and Guam. He attended Ohio State University majoring in Agriculture. He was employed by Decker Steel of Cleveland retiring in 1984 as a Steel Representative for the company. Robert was a member of First United Methodist Church in South Amherst where he was active on the Board and in the Choir. He was also a member of the South Amherst American Legion Post #197 and was a 38 year member of the Lorain Golden Crescent Barbershop. He loved roses and was a certified Rosarian, participating as a judge for many county rose competitions. He was an avid fisherman and hunter.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Norma Mae Oetzel (nee Slack), his sons, Thomas William Oetzel of Austintown, Ohio and Daniel Clark Oetzel of Forest, Virginia, five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Iva (nee Roscoe) Oetzel, his brothers Roscoe and Renson Oetzel, and by his sister Alice Roeser.
Friends may call Wednesday, February 26, 2003 from 2-4 and 6-9 PM at the Hempel Funeral Home, 373 Cleveland Ave. Amherst, Ohio 44001. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11:00 am from the funeral home with the Rev. Gary Lunsford, pastor of First United Methodist Church, South Amherst officiating. Military honors will be performed by the Amherst Veterans Military Honor Guard. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, South Amherst.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the First United Methodist Church, 201 West Main St., South Amherst, Ohio 44001.