Claire F. Viertel, age 71 of Oshkosh, passed away Thursday June 28, 2007, at Mercy Medical Center, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on May 2, 1936, in Wood County, WI, the son of Albert and Marion (Liebenstein) Viertel. .Claire attended Berlin High School, and later served in the United States Air Force as a Staff Sergeant. On July 9, 1960, he married Sally Krueger at St. Mary Catholic Church in Omro. He worked most of his years as a foreman at Universal Foundry in Oshkosh. Claire was a good Christian, who loved his family and grandchildren and was a good friend to all. He was an outdoorsman and liked hunting. For many years, Claire enjoyed playing baseball and softball, was later a manager and commissioner, who took his softball team to Nationals near Washington D.C.. During the last six decades, Claire won numerous billiards titles, which was attributed to having good shooting partners as noted by last Saturday's article in The Northwestern. His other passions were playing golf and cards with his friends, and volunteering his time at Bethel Home. Claire is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sally, his three sons, Kelly, Kevin, and Kyle; two daughters, Cheri (John) Webb and Cami (Shawn) Tovar; seven grandchildren, Jacob, Brooke, Sierra Nachtrab, Chardae, Brittney, Danielle Tovar, and Karley Viertel, all of Oshkosh; one sister, Barbara Verhayen, Berlin; brothers, Chuck (Julie) Viertel, West Allis, John (Bonnie) Viertel, Berlin, Joel (Patty) Viertel, Janesville, Mark Viertel, Berlin, one sister-in-law, Marilyn Viertel, Tacoma, WA, numerous nieces, nephews, many other caring relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, George and Richard Viertel, and one brother-in-law Ray Verhayen. A Celebration of Life for Claire will be held on Monday July 9, 2007, at 6:00 P.M., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr. Thomas Reynebeau officiating. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Monday from 4:00 P.M., until time of the Mass. In lieu of any floral expressions, a memorial has been established. May the good Lord Jesus Christ, with all his saints and angels, watch over the man we all loved. A special thanks to Dr. Ringwala, and to the wonderful doctors, nurses, and staff at Mercy Medical Center (2nd floor) for their compassionate care that was given to Claire and his family.