Obituary: William R. "Pops" Werner - Class of 1938

MADISON - William R. "Pops" Werner, age 87, died on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008, at St. Mary's Care Center, surrounded by his family. He was born on Feb. 15, 1921, in Madison, the son of John and Martha (Curtis) Werner. Bill graduated from Central High School in 1938 and enlisted in the Army. He was discharged in October 1945. He was married to the former Phyllis Grimm, Jan. 31, 1943. He attended school at Madison Business College and later went to work for American Family Insurance; retiring after 38 years of service. Bill was a sports enthusiast, especially a Packers and Badgers fan. Bill enjoyed spending time with his family. Survivors include five children, John "Jack" Werner of Mount Aire, Va., Jean (Rich) O'Donnell of Belvidere, Ill., Jim (Ginny) Werner of Madison, Jeff (Patty) Werner of Brooksville, Fla., and Janet (George) Rasmussen of Belleville; 10 grandchildren, Stephanie (Ross) Porter, Ryan (Deb) O'Donnell, Matt O'Donnell, Randy (Nancy) Werner, Dan (Colleen) Werner, Polly, Katie and Lucy Werner, and Angela and Kristi Klinger; five great-grandchildren, Kelli, Jessica, Jocelyn, Riley and Evelyn; a sister, Ruth Hamre of Madison; several nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Nancy. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Phyllis; two sisters, Bernice and Margaret; a brother, John; and a special nephew, Don Phillip. Funeral services will be held at the JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road, Madison, on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008, at 11 a.m. Father David Greenfield will officiate with burial in Resurrection Cemetery. Friends and family may call at the JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and also at the funeral home on Thursday, from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations may be made to St. Mary's Care Center or Alzheimer's Association. A special thank you to Dr. Tom Ansfield and the staff at St. Mary's Care Center for all their wonderful care of Dad. "We will miss you Dad." Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 9, 2008