Carl N. Oerke, Jr., 67, of River Edge, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025. Loving son of June (née Schlechta). Dear brother of Dianne Knichel and her husband Thomas. Cherished uncle to his niece Ashley Knichel. He was predeceased by his father, Carl N. Oerke, Sr. (1995).

Carl was born in Hackensack and grew up in River Edge. He was a graduate of River Dell Senior High School and Montclair State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. He was a lab technician with Quest Diagnostics and later Community Blood Services.

Carl had a deep love of the ocean and scuba diving. He dove with Mel Fisher’s crew on the famous Spanish galleon the Atocha. It was part of the Spanish Treasure Fleet that sank in a hurricane off of Florida in 1622. Later in life he became interested in genealogy. Most of all, Carl loved his niece Ashley and spending time with her.

Carl’s memory will live on in all those who knew him. His great kindness, generosity and sense of humor had a lasting impact on everyone he met. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, followed by a Service at the Beaugard-McKnight Funeral Home, 869 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge.

Interment will be at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Carl’s memory to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 https://diabetes.org/