Jon Kraig Oertle, 59, passed away at his home in Joplin, Mo., Wednesday, June 25, 2025. He was born on Nov. 20, 1965, to Mike and Johnnie (Brady) Oertle in Pittsburg.
Kraig graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1984 where he lettered in football and baseball. After graduation, he played on a baseball scholarship at Allen County. After working for a bit of time, he decided to go back to school to attain his degree in physical education at Pittsburg State University where he also played baseball for the Gorillas.
He was fondly referred to as “grandpa,” as he was one of the oldest members of the team. During his tenure there, Kraig led Pitt State in batting average, hits, and runs in 1992. He was also All-MIAA that year. Upon graduation, he taught and coached at Pittsburg Middle School.
Kraig is survived by his brother, Kurt Oertle (Treena), his aunt Jane (Oertle) Napier, aunt Dorothy (Brady) Griggs, and Aunt Karen Brady, several cousins, and many beloved friends and class/teammates. Most importantly to Kraig, he left behind his two best friends for the past 11 years, his dogs, Doc and Libby.
He was preceded in death by both his parents, his grandparents Lester and Eloise Oertle, and Ollie and Francis Brady, his uncles Kenny Brady and Mike Griggs. A special thank you goes out to his wonderful neighbors in Joplin, Mr. and Mrs. Scott Adams, who affectionately befriended him the past several years.
A celebration of life is being planned for a future date. Any donations go towards the Joplin Humane Society.
