Holocaust survivor Henry Oertelt died Thursday at his home in St. Paul.  Oertelt celebrated his 90th birthday earlier this month.  It’s reported he had been undergoing cancer treatments after a recent diagnosis.  

Oertelt received an honorary P.h.D from St. Cloud State University and was the author of “An Unbroken Chain: My Journey Through the Nazi Holocaust”, a book that was produced in the KVSC studios into a 12-part podcast. For more than 30 years he told his inspiring story of survival to students of all ages across Minnesota.

Oertelt died coincidentally on the International Day of Remembrance and the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, one of five Nazi concentration camps he and his brother Kurt survived.  His story and book are the inspiration for a feature independent film currently in development.

Oertelt is survived by his wife Inge, son David, grandchildren and three great grandchildren. His funeral will be held on Sunday at Beth Jacob Synagogue in Mendoda Heights. The family has requested no flowers at the funeral. Donations can instead be made to the Unbroken Chain film project.