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John Oesterle Obituary

With heavy hearts the Oesterle family shares their grief in the passing of their beloved John Robert Oesterle, 53, of Franklin, TN on October 11, 2017. Though his passing was unexpected and much too soon, there is comfort in knowing that John has joined his eternal Father in heaven.

Born May 9, 1964, in Lansing, Michigan to Robert Eugene Oesterle and Virginia Ilene Sterle Oesterle, John was the only son in a family of seven children. He grew up on a dairy farm and was involved in the 4H program whereby he and his younger sister, Becky, raised and showed Suffolk sheep. Through Williamston Baptist Church, John received the highest Awana's Citation Award. During his high school years at Williamston High, John was a member of the football and baseball teams. His magnetic personality touched many people and he was voted president of his junior class. John received his Bachelor of Science degree with honors from Michigan State University. Go Sparty! He then went on and obtained his Doctor of Medicine from Wayne State University of Medicine followed by a residency in anesthesia at Henry Ford Hospital.

John married his true love and "Pearl", Rebecca Jean Martelle, on November 10, 2000, in Charlotte, NC. He was wholeheartedly embraced by Becky's large family and obtained instant brother status. Becky's older sister, whose intuition proved correct, set up John and Becky on a blind date. John and Becky spent 17 wonderfully blessed years together.

John was the recipient of numerous awards throughout his career commending his dedication of excellence to the practice of medicine, his compassion towards his patients, and dependability and approachableness afforded to his peers. One award that John recently attained was Athlete of the Month from D1, where he found great joy and camaraderie.

John began his career as an anesthesiologist in 1998 with Physicians Anesthesia Service in Lansing, Michigan. He worked in Charlotte, NC for 16 years with American Anesthesiology (formerly Southeast Anesthesia), and most recently with Anesthesia Medical Group in Nashville, TN.

An avid hunter and adored his hunting dogs: Pete, Nellie, Pearl, Olive, and Hazel, John was frequently seen around town with "the big girls" by his side. As an alum of MSU, John cheered on his Spartans and hung his MSU flag proudly. John had a dream to own a farm where he could raise sheep, cows, and buffalo. He believed he had found the perfect one and was looking forward to riding that John Deer tractor. John was a member of Brentwood United Methodist Church and attended regularly. One of John's favorite memories was being a part of his son's championship team, Hammerdown Football. John absolutely loved being the team doctor. Everyday after work John would arrive home and announce to his family, "I did a good job today" to which they responded, "you do good job everyday!" with smiles on their faces.

John was an "angel on earth". He would look you in the eye and make you feel like you were the most important person in the world.

Preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Virginia Oesterle and sister Renee, John is survived by his wife, Rebecca; children, Ashlynn and Ethan; granddaughter, Bekah and his siblings, Robin (Tim), Rainelle (Carl), Roberta (David), Raecene (Jeff), and Rebecca (Dave). John's fur babies are Pearl, Olive, Hazel, Henni, Gertie, and Elke.

A Celebration of Life service will be presided over by Dr. Davis Chappell and Dr. Jeff Wilson on October 17 at 11:30 a.m. at Brentwood United Methodist Church. A one-hour visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. will precede the service.

John will be laid to rest at Alchin Farm Cemetery near his childhood family farm in Michigan.

Please direct gifts in John's memory to either Support for Students at Michigan State University via supportforstudents.msu.edu or for Breast Cancer via cancer.org.

An online guestbook is available at AustinFuneralService.com 615-377-0775

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charlotte Observer on Oct. 15, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for John Oesterle

Not sure what to say?





Carrie Nance

October 9, 2023

I so enjoyed working with him at Carolinas Medical Center! Thoughts and prayers

Paul Kavanagh

November 2, 2017

John and I shared so much fun in high school and as roommates at MSU. He not only had a terrific sense of humor, but he was a man of great character as well...just a terrific guy. My deepest sympathies to his family.

Cindy Bjorkquist

October 18, 2017

I am so sorry and pray for the family during this time of loss. John was the boy across the street growing up who participated in our fierce games of kickball and volleyball. What a great life he lived.

Rebecca Cothran

October 18, 2017

I did not know Dr. O but from working with him at CSC. He came occasionally. But the first time I met him I feel in love with his voice. He had a commanding but calming voice. I teased him he should have been an announcer on TV. or documentaries. He was so nice and always spoke when he was there. He will be missed. I pray for God's grace to give comfort and strength to his family!!

Tracey Depuydt (Rickman)

October 18, 2017

I am so very sorry for your loss. John was a rock and the calm in the storm for his classmates at Williamston. I will always remember his kindness and thoughtfulness during our growing up years in Williamston and at the First Baptist Church. The Oesterle family is in my thoughts at prayers.

Pamela Forsley (formerly Mosher)

October 17, 2017

John was, and is, an Angel, to all that came in contact with him. God Bless him, his family, friends and loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so saddened by the news. A great loss, so young. RIP John

Sharan Wilson RN BSN

October 17, 2017

Sending my sympathy to all those who loved Dr O!! He was one of the nicest , kindest , most caring physicians I have ever worked with . Take much pride in the kindness he gave to co workers & patients as well as expert care ! He made a great impact on this world!!

Jeff Haarer

October 17, 2017

My deepest condolences four your loss. John made a great impact on me and many others with his smile and integrity. Will always remember our 4-H judging trip in PA.

October 17, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

David Bailey

October 17, 2017

I will miss my friend greatly! John was one of my workout partners at our gym in Franklin,TN. He was a man with a passionate heart. He was always there with encouragement to me and so many others. I know that he is with our lord Jesus Christ today and that gives me peace. God Bless this family!

Sherry Bernardo

October 17, 2017

You will truly be missed. I enjoyed the many years I had the opportunity to work with you. My thoughts and prayers to your family.

Penny S

October 17, 2017

With heartfelt condolences in this Time of such great loss of John, may the memories that meant the most to you live close to your heart, along with " God promise to wipe away the tears from your eyes. "

The Culham Falmily

October 17, 2017

With deepest respect and sympathy. Our hearts are sadden to hear of John's passing. My God be with all of you.

Traci Eells

October 17, 2017

John was such a Ray of Sunshine!!!
Prayers to the Oesterle Family during this
difficult time. He will truly be missed!

Donna Blaylock

October 17, 2017

My heart is heavy as so many others, still in disbelief. Such a wonderful physician, husband and father.....
Words are not adequate. In the short time I worked with him at CSS he made such an impression on me. I will never forget him.
I am wearing the flag lapel pin from visitation in his memory.
My deepest sympathy.
Donna Blaylock, Nashville, Tn

Roger Purgason

October 17, 2017

John was an incredible man who had extreme passion for life, family and community. John will forever be remembered by the Purgasons and Hammer Down Football. We are deeply saddened by this news and will have a hole in our heart for a long time to come. God Speed!!

Roger Purgason

Luke Kim Lepard

October 17, 2017

Our deepest condolences to the Oesterle family during this difficult time.
John was a dear, kind, honest and loving high school friend. We will miss you John; you made the world and the people around you a better place.
God Bless all who knew and were touched by John.

Luke and Kimberly Lepard

Claraetta

October 16, 2017

God said that he needed another ANGLE and He called you home to be with Him. You will be greatly missed Dr. O, prayers to the family RIP

Christina Diaz

October 16, 2017

My heart is heavy to hear this sad news. I had the honor of working with Dr. Oesterle as a new grad at CMC Mercy and then seeing him at the Peds office with his children. He was a bright spirit always looking out for what was right. He was never intimidating which meant a lot as a new nurse. I have never forgotten that, even 15 years later. Prayers and thoughts to his wife, children, parents, siblings and all who had the honor to know him.

Beth Fryer

October 16, 2017

So sorry for you all losing a piece of your heart. What a great guy John was, will always remember his handsome smile...Peace and Love to you all

David Klaes

October 16, 2017

Dr. Osterle was one of the most approachable, genuine and effective doctors I have ever known.
He was a blessing we in the SCCC PACU will never forget.

Jennifer and Michael Carell

October 16, 2017

Our deepest sympathies go out to the Oesterle family. John was a frequent patron of our market and deli and was always so sweet and complimentary of everything the staff did.
We will miss his regular visits and his stories about the dogs. May you rest in peace.

Debby Edwards

October 16, 2017

If you ever met him, you can't forget him. He was so many special things all wrapped up in that caring smile. A credit to his profession and his co-workers, he was a joy to work with. He freely shared his sage advice and great big heart.
As his family you must know so many grieve your loss and pray for your comfort. Just knowing him was an honor. God Bless

Joan Tobias

October 16, 2017

So sorry to hear of John passing. He had that beautiful smile and personality that just warmed your heart. Hugs and prayers for the Oesterle family.

Pam Haarer Collins

October 16, 2017

Our hearts are heavy for all of you. Our prayers and thoughts are with the entire family. We had so many great memories at the county fair! John will be so missed and we were so blessed to have known him growing up.

Pam Dowless

October 16, 2017

This breaks my heart. You were truly a blessing from God. Thank you for the friendship and the privilege to work with you.You will be missed.

October 16, 2017

Dr. Oesterle by far was the kindest and most compassionate healthcare workers around. His calming nature and genuinely caring personality put patients and fellow coworkers at ease. Thank you Dr Oesterle for your smile and making me laugh at CMC Mercy. My prayers go out to the family during this difficult time. He spoke very highly of his family and he loved all of you very much. Fly High Dr Oesterle You will be greatly missed !

Awesome Doc!

Kelly Schwartz

October 15, 2017

This is how I will remember John

Mary Chris Hotchkiss

October 15, 2017

Dear Oesterle Family,

I am devastated to hear about John...we had way too many great, great times growing up in Williamston. What would the Class of 1982 been without him?? He was a friend to everyone and his smile lit up the room. I am so sorry I am not able to make the visitation and tell all of you how very, very sorry I am in person. Love to you all!

Kim Hicks-Lucar

October 15, 2017

Deepest sympathies to the Oesterle family. John was a dear high school classmate and wonderful person.

Patti Kennedy

October 15, 2017

I'm so very sorry to learn that Dr. Oseterle has passed. Without doubt he was the kindest, most gentle physicians I had the privilege of knowing and working with at CMC Nashville. Heaven gained an exceptional angel.
With heartfelt sympathy.

Richard Perry

October 15, 2017

My deepest sympathies to the Oesterle family. John was a genuine nice and good guy in high school.

Kelly Kuri

October 15, 2017

My deepest condolences to the family. John was a dear friend in high school and he will be missed.

Donna Laney

October 15, 2017

It was an honor to work with Dr. O at CHS-Union. His kindness and compassion were inspirational. Prayers and condolences for his family. Donna Laney RN

Terry Briggs

October 15, 2017

I am so sorry to hear this news. John was one of the nicest people I've ever met. He was truly a great human being. We lived around the corner from each other in Williamston, MI. He will truly be missed. My sincere condolences to his family.

Leesa Clardy

October 15, 2017

I had the pleasure of working with John at CMC One Day for many years. He was a wonderful doctor and a fine person as well. I hope you find comfort in knowing how many people care about you and your family.

Our daughter Maggie. Thank you, John

Corinne Chausse

October 15, 2017

During the struggle to bring Maggie home, God put people in our life at crucial times. One of these people was John. At one of the worst points, when I discovered yet another critical mistake in our paperwork, I was working with John. His compassion and genuine emotional support gave me the strength to keep contending for this adoption. He cheered me on repeatedly, checking to see if we were back on track, and encouraging me. To some degree, the fact Maggie is part of our family now, is a credit to him.
During one of the first meetings John had with the CRNAs at Union when his group took over, he stated, "It is a privilege to lay hands on and care for each and every patient. We should never forget that." John exemplified the best in our profession. Not just to his patients but to staff and fellow providers. And although his passing has left a void no one could ever fill, I believe John is reaping the reward of touching so many lives beyond what he ever imagined.

Marshallene Iris (Rn, Mercy Hospital)

October 15, 2017

To the Osterle family,

So sad to hear about the passing of Doctor "O" as I admiringly called him. I have missed him since he left Charlotte, but will never forget his smile, gentleness to his patients and passion for his work and the people he served. My thoughts and prayers to your family and may God and the memories you have bring you comfort and peace at this time.

Lovingly remembered

October 15, 2017

It was a privilege to have worked with Dr. Oesterle while he was in Charlotte. He was a special person, always professional and a kind gentleman. I will keep all the family in my thoughts and prayers.

Astrid Jain

October 15, 2017

Becky, I'm so very saddened to hear of John's passing. As you know, I worked with John at CMC, mostly on L&D, where he was always so wonderful to work with -- positive, funny and considerate as well as smart, professional and a calm presence with a big smile...My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Denise Shelton

October 15, 2017

I am so sorry for your family's loss! I have worked with Dr Oesterle for two years at Sarah Cannon and have enjoyed working with him so much. He was always very kind and professional! He will be missed by us all at the hospital! Prayers for the family.

Kelly Schwartz

October 15, 2017

I am so sorry to hear of Johns passing. I worked with him at Mercy Hospital in Charlotte. I found him to be a very kind and compassionate man. The world was a better place with him in it. I will pray for him and for peace for his family.

October 15, 2017

John and I shared a lot of good times together and those memories I will hold even closer and with gratitude that I had the privealage of having John as my "friend". My thoughts and prayers go out to all of John's family. Matt McLeod (Okemos, MI)

Sheryl carter

October 15, 2017

It was a privilege to work with him at mercy. I'm so sorry for his death.

Christy Magness

October 14, 2017

I would like the family to know that you have the best Dad-Husband ever. I only had a brief time to know him as a true gentleman and doctor. John treated everyone as an equal, which set him apart for sure! He will be missed by his medical family, but know best by you. Carry on his legacy for sure-John was truly a One of a Kind. Prayers to all.

Carrie Nance

October 14, 2017

Such a honor to have worked with him at CMC Main!
He was a very caring man and an excellent doctor!
My thoughts and prayers are with his family!
He will be greatly missed!

October 14, 2017

I worked with John briefly in Charlotte at CMC. He had such a kind, positive and friendly spirit. Just a breath of fresh air at such a busy and often stressful place. You knew you could always count on him for help with a problem. He truly cared for his patients and his colleagues. I am so so sorry for your loss.

Jean Wiegand

October 14, 2017

I am so very, very sorry to hear this. Worked with John during his years in Charlotte. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family for this terrible loss.

October 14, 2017

Worked with him many times. Always smart, friendly, kind, and caring. Really enjoyed my times with him.

Ann Willey

October 14, 2017

We are so incredibly sad to hear about John's passing. His smile, laughter, caring heart will always be remembered. His love for his family was enormous. So many memories of you two together in Charlotte. You guys are held tightly in our hearts. Love for you and the kids. Jeff & Ann

Sally Stone

October 14, 2017

My deepest and heartfelt sympathy for this terrible loss. I worked with Dr. Oesterle at CMC in the OR. He was an extraordinary man. Sally Stone
He always stepped forward to defend me from irate surgeons.

October 14, 2017

So very sad to hear this news. I enjoyed working with John in Charlotte.

Marti Allman RN

October 14, 2017

I worked with Dr Oesterle in Charlotte NC. He was a very genuine person. He is definitely loved by many and will be missed. He helped and blessed both patients and staff during his career. Many thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, children, and family.

Jessica Willey

October 14, 2017

I worked with John for many years at CMC. His calm and professional demeanor always brought peace to his patients and coworkers. We dearly missed him when he moved away. He always spoke highly of his family. I'll be praying for peace and comfort for you all. I'm so sorry for your loss.

October 14, 2017

I'm so very sorry for the loss of this kind man. I was fortunate to have worked with him in the OR at CMC Main in Charlotte NC. He was always so friendly and kind to everyone and the patients he took care of. My prayers go out to his family. God bless them.
Tammy Papadeas BSN RN

Linda Cooper

October 14, 2017

Oh Becky, I am so sorry. I think that John knew that I thought the world of him. I missed him so much after you left Charlotte. You and the children are in my prayers.

October 14, 2017

I worked with Dr. Osterle at CMC Pineville and was always warmed by his compassionate care and gentle touch to each patient he saw. He will be missed by many nurses, physicians and especially the patients that remembered him as their Anesthesiologist

Susan JOYCE,RN

October 14, 2017

Dr. Oesterle was one of the most compassionate physicians that I have ever worked with! He loved Becky and the kids, and was constantly reveling in little stories about them. We missed him from the day he left Charlotte! Prayers for peace that passes all understanding.
SUSAN JOYCE,RN ONE DAY SURGERY

Heidi Hays (Lutz), CRNA

October 14, 2017

My heart is heavy hearing of this loss. Prayers of comfort and peace for the family and for the many of us who loved him. I worked with him in Charlotte and loved his smile, ability to make me laugh and his professionalism. What an honor to know him!!

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