Mr. Herbert W. Oechler

July 25, 1935 - January 26, 2024

Dr. Herbert Wright Oechler

Born July 25, 1935 to Herbert Ludwig Oechler and Dorothy Grace Oechler (nee Goodger).

Raised in Kenosha, Wisconsin as an only child.

Graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School in Kenosha in 1953.

Earned a BA degree in medical science in 1957 and an M.D. in 1960 from the University of Wisconsin, followed by a rotating internship at Milwaukee County General Hospital.

In July, 1961, Herb entered the U.S. Army Medical Corp. After training at Ft Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, served for two years as a Medical Officer in Schweinfurt, Germany with the 3rd Infantry Division. Following the Army, he joined Mendota State Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin as a staff physician and completed a pathology residency at Milwaukee County Hospital and Marquette Medical School. This led him to a career practicing pediatric pathology at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and the Medical College of Wisconsin, from which he retired in 1999.

Herb is survived by children Jennifer Haraway (Brian) of Fox Point and Thomas Oechler (Jill) of Shorewood from his first marriage to Janet Shafer (nee Luther). Also survived by grandchildren Meredith Oechler, Raymond Oechler, Calvin Oechler, Olivia Haraway and Grace Haraway.

Herb was happily married for 46 years to Karen Christensen of Manitowoc, who passed away in October of 2023. They shared a love of the outdoors and travel, cherishing their time together at their cabin in Pine River, WI. Herb was an avid fly fisherman and volunteered for many years with Trout Unlimited where he shared his fly tying and casting skills with others.

Visitation on Saturday, February 3, 2024 from 10 am until the Memorial Service at 11 am at Wisconsin Memorial Park-Chapel of the Chimes, 13235 W. Capitol Dr. in Brookfield. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission are appreciated.