Bruce Stephen Oertell

Bruce Oertell, 71, of Livonia, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.  Bruce had been battling cancer for over four years.

Bruce Stephen Oertell was born in Portland, Oregon, the son of Clarence and Maxine (Rollins) Oertell.  He spent childhood years in Portland, the state of Idaho, and Dubuque, Iowa.  He graduated from high school in Rockford, Illinois.  Bruce joined the United States army, but health issues prevented his service.  He graduated from welding school and began a long career as a welder with Aqua Aerobics, a company that specialized in designing, building, and repairing aerators for use in ponds and other areas. Bruce designed one such aerator.  He retired early from that job and was partner in a car restoration business.  Bruce loved cars, especially of the ‘60’s and ‘70’s vintage.  Bruce married Brenda Plumley in Dubuque, Iowa, on July 11, 1981.

Bruce and Brenda moved to Livonia from Machesney Park, Illinois, in 2007. He quickly became friends with the locals in the area.  Bruce had a colorful life and could be found having morning breakfast at Kin-Folks in Hartford or sharing his wisdom at the Bullet Stop Gun Shop.  His passions throughout the years were piloting his own plane, owning and restoring classic cars, riding motorcycles, and of course firearms.  His knowledge of old military firearms was unsurpassed.  Bruce was known to dedicate his time at range and gun clubs with safety and marksmanship.  He once hosted an egg BB gun shoot for children at the Livonia Homecoming.  Besides his hobbies Bruce was king of the BBQ grill, cooking up special dishes of steak and lobster.  He had an outgoing personality who loved life.  Bruce was a good storyteller.  He will be missed by his Putnam County friends.  Most agree he was one of a kind.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Brenda, and his very special aunt with whom he had a close and treasured relationship, Bev (Doug) Razor of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.  He is also survived by his mother-in-law, LuluBell Plumley of Dubuque; his brothers-in-law, Donnie Plumley and Carl (Tanya) Plumley, all of Dubuque, Iowa, Mike (Nancy) Plumley of Elkader, Iowa, and Barry (Michelle) Plumley of New York; his sisters-in-law, Joyce (Rick) Cottrell and Elly (Michael) Day, all of Dubuque.  Many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews survive as well.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law, Donald Plumley, and a brother-in-law, Chris Plumley and Chris’ wife Gigi, and sister-in-law Mary Plumley.

Bruce’s wishes were to be cremated.  No services are planned at this time.  Memorials may be directed to the family to be given to a charity of their choice and be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO  63565.