Sue (Birk) Oertli passed away peacefully on May 2, 2023, after an extended battle with Alzheimer’s. She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Charles Oertli, her three children, Roger Oertli, Gary Oertli and Gale Braswell, her eight grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Sue continued her mother’s (Dorothy Birk) legacy giving lectures and showing glass slides of the St. Louis 1904 World’s Fair. Sue loved the Missouri Botanical Garden and spent many hours volunteering for a variety of events. Sue joined the Member’s Board in 1977. She was most proud of her work that developed and started the Membership Services Desk in 1983, which was then named in her honor. While serving as president of the Board from 1985 to 1987, her vision and leadership were evident in the creation of many profitable programs that continue to this day. Sue has had a positive and lasting impact on many institutions throughout the St. Louis community, including Tower Grove Park, The Eugene Field House, The History Museum and Engineers Wives. If you would like to remember her efforts and honor Sue, the family is requesting that you send a tribute to the Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63110.
Chuck, so sorry to hear of Sue’s passing. I worked with Sue for over 10 years in the Development Department at Missouri Botanical Garden. She was a lovely woman. I was new to the area and coming in as the membership manager, I was grateful to Sue for not only teaching me about the Garden and the membership desk history, but also St. Louis history. She will be greatly missed
Sue was an outstanding woman. I enjoyed my years of volunteering with her for Emmaus Homes and had great respect for her talents and leadership. You all have been loving, faithful caregivers over these last difficult years. My prayers for all of you are that God grant you his comfort and peace.
Cluck, so sorry to hearing of the passing of Sue. I know it has been a long haul for both of you. God speed
Sending our thoughts and prayers to the Oertli family at the passing of Sue. She was such a fun and kind person and along with Chuck- good friends to my parents over the many years. May the good memories bring you comfort.