MIDDLETOWN, Calif. — Russell Robert Oertel (Russ) of Middletown fought a brief but valiant battle with pancreatic cancer and passed from this world on May 17, 2023, at age 64.

He was beloved by all who knew him — family, friends and work colleagues throughout the years — largely because of his genuineness, kind concern for others and easy-going manner.

Russ was born in Petaluma in 1959 and graduated from Petaluma High School in 1977.

After high school, he attended Santa Rosa Junior College and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in government journalism from Sacramento State University in 1981.

Though his earliest jobs were in politics, he worked in human resources for most of his life, ending his career with the Hansel Auto Group as the recruiting and onboarding manager.

Russ’ faith was very important to him, and even while hospitalized the last few weeks of his life, he inspired and encouraged others.

He is predeceased by his mother, Shirley (Hayden) Oertel, and father, Robert Oertel, and is survived by his wife, Esther (Garel) Oertel; sons, Robert and William Oertel; daughter-in-law, Samantha (Scott) Oertel; granddaughter, Lilybelle Oertel; and sisters, Julie (Oertel) Traverso and Susan Oertel.

A memorial Mass will be said on Friday, June 16, at 1 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Middletown, and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 17, at 2 p.m. at the United Church of Christ in Petaluma.