Howard Werner

1945-2023

Posted

Howard James Werner, 78, Westphalia, passed away Saturday, March 25, 2023, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital.

He was born March 22, 1945, to the late Harry Conrad and Hilda Emma (Ortmeyer) Werner in Folk.He graduated in 1964 from Fatima High School.

Howard was united in marriage to Carmela Ann Goscha in 1968. They were married for 25 years and raised three children.

He worked as a welder for ABB and in earlier years worked for Play-Mor Trailers and General Motors. Howard retired in March 2007.

He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Schubert.

Howard was raised in Folk where he gained a deep appreciation for nature and wildlife. He enjoyed quiet mornings watching deer, fishing, landscaping, playing pitch, riding his four-wheeler on the family farm and trails, wood working and making furniture for his family and friends. Howard built his home in 1981.

Music was a huge part of his life, and he could play the accordion, harmonica, guitar, organ, trumpet, bugle and tuba. He enjoyed many jam sessions with his family and friends, but his favorite times were with his family especially if they were on the Werner family farm.

Howard was preceded in death by parents, Harry and Hilda; brother, Harold Werner and spouse Betty; brothers-in-law, Ray Schmidt and Eddie Grapes; and nephew, David Werner.

He is survived by children, Jeanette Wiggins and spouse Berry and Wayne Werner and spouse Wendy, all of Westphalia and Erin Merritt and spouse Shannon of Memphis, Tenn.; grandchildren, Ashley Thoenen and spouse Seth, Megan Goldberg and spouse Chris and Taylor and Brett Werner; great-grandson, William Goldberg; and siblings, Harriet Schmidt of St. Thomas; Hazel Braun and spouse Kenny of Wardsville, and Helen Grapes of Lohman.

Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m., Thursday, March 30, at Trimble Funeral Homes in Westphalia with a prayer service at 7 p.m. with Pastor Gerald Scheperle officiating.

Interment will be in St. John’s Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions suggested to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Schubert or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes in Westphalia.