Robert Michael Oertle

Robert Michael Oertle, fondly known as "Bob", passed away Monday, December 26th after a long illness. Bob was born to parents Frances Ruth and Robert Lauren Oertle on February 21st, 1951. The Owners of Oertle's Discount Store on Memorial in the 1960's & 1970's. His parents preceded him in death. He is preceded in death by siblings Terry Robert Oertle; Sherry Katheryne Buck and Shirley Ann Oertle Allen. He is survived by sisters Janis (Janie)Sue Oertle Ripley and husband Donald H. Ripley from Ovilla, TX and Patricia Louise Oertle Phaneuf and husband Bob Phaneuf of Tulsa, OK and Vero Beach, FL. Also survived by nieces and nephews, Brooke Allen and husband Brad Reynolds of Fort Myers, FL; Shawna Allen Adkins of Saluda, NC; Bryan Allen and wife Yevetta Allen of Swansboro, NC; Mark Allen and wife Sheila Allen of Nashville, TN; Robert Buck and wife Julie Buck of Tulsa OK; David Gordon Ripley and wife Natalie Ripley of Ovilla, TX; Collin Andrew Ripley of Ovilla, TX; Rebecca Ripley Welton and husband Jeff Welton of Marlow, OK; Brian Favell, and wife Elizabeth Favell of Tulsa, OK and Stacy McCabe and husband Stan McCabe, Tulsa OK. Bob is well known in the Motorcycle Racing World of Tulsa as a Record setting Drag Racer, Race Promotor and Track Announcer for over 50 years, most notably breaking the 1/4 mile time by riding a KZ900 in 9 seconds in the 1970's, along with many, many other awards for racing over the years. When you mentioned Bob's name, it was normal for someone to say "I know Bob" as he was very well known in Tulsa. He was exceptionally intelligent and could remember names, dates and statistics about most anything, lending to the fact he made friends very easily. He started out selling Motorcycles at Action Cycles at 4th and Sheridan. He sold a new Kawasaki to numerous people over a 15-year period. Many of which went on to become Motorsport participants in the many Races he Promoted over the years. He also was known as the Trackside Announcer at such places as Jandebeurs Motor Sports Park; Port City Raceway, Inc. and CMRA Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association. And produced numerous races over the years, the Amp Outlaw Winter Nationals in Tulsa each year was one he was very proud of. He was a very caring person, who was known to give people a boost up in life. Countless times over the years he gave sanctuary to people who were down and out. That is one of many selfless acts he did over the years by giving to others without looking for personal gain. Bob had an endless thirst for knowledge, rivaling any student with drive for perfection. He read every article he could on any subject he could. He was never without a topic to talk about. He would always make you feel inferior while listening to him. But of course, you listened and most likely walked away with new knowledge. And if you wanted to know more, he was ready to immerse you in whatever subject it was. He lived his life with vigor, determination and dreams. Bob studied Business Administration at the University of Tulsa after High School Graduation from Cascia Hall. Over the years he learned quite a lot about computers. And was able to repair, refurbish or program most any computer. Still wanting to learn, he enrolled at Tulsa Community College in their Digital Communication and Multimedia programs in 2016. He graduated with four Associate Degrees in 2019 on one of the proudest days of his life. Bob has thrown a birthday party for himself and his longtime friend Tony Varano for many years. This year will be NO different. His Annual Birthday Bash is being planned for Friday, February 24th, 2023. Please save the date on your calendar and you may inquire about the location and time on his Facebook page or Tony Varano's Facebook page after February 1st. We will celebrate Bob by having a Big Party, in the way he has always wanted. Please dip into your memories and your photos to make Bob's Celebration of Life a reunion of old friends and shared stories. Please RSVP when the announcement is made. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Bob's memory to the American Liver Foundation.

Robert Michael Oertle

February 21, 1951 - December 26, 2022