Patrick Werner 1944-2019

WERNER, WHITING, DEBOWER, MERKES, MCDERMOTT, WHISLER, JAEGER, MESCHER

Posted By: cheryl Locher moonen (email)
Date: 11/6/2019 at 12:57:02

Telegraph Herald: Web Edition Articles (Dubuque, IA) - Saturday, April 27, 2019

DYERSVILLE, Iowa — Patrick Werner, age 75, of rural Dyersville, died April 25, 2019, at Manor Care in Dubuque, after a long illness.

Visitation will be held Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. April 28, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave. SW, in Dyersville. The American Legion Post #137 will gather for a legion service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue Monday from 9 until 10 a.m. at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 29, 2019, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, with burial in the church cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post #137. Rev. Dennis Conway will officiate, and Deacon Roger Riesberg will assist.

Pat was born January 19, 1944, in Dyersville, IA, to Bill and Rose (Whiting) Werner. He graduated from Maquoketa Valley High School in 1962 and then served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1967. He met his wife, Marilyn, in 1967, and they wed on August 10, 1968. They soon welcomed their daughters Kathy and Kris into their lives, followed a few years later by their son, Kevin.

Pat and his family lived in Dyersville for several years, where he worked as a service technician for Home Appliance (now Meyer Mechanical) until his retirement in 2003. In 1983 they moved to rural Dyersville to live on land once owned by his parents. It was there that Pat soon began work on a passion project that became one of his proudest accomplishments — what we affectionately know today as "Pat's Pond." Pat spent many nights working tirelessly to begin excavation, then later hired an earth mover to shape the pond into its current form. Pat enjoyed watching the pond and the variety of wildlife that frequented it. He also enjoyed the company of family and friends who came to visit and enjoy the pond and the wonderful fishing opportunities it provided.

In 2002, Pat was diagnosed with lung cancer but battled back against it. The cancer returned in 2006, and while doctors were able to successfully treat it, he began to experience several other complications from the disease. Despite the challenges, Pat continued to enjoy a full life for as long as he was able, attending the airshow at Oshkosh several times and also traveling to Florida to visit his daughter Kris. His determination and courage in the face of the obstacles is an inspiration to his family.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; daughter, Kathy (Tom) DeBower, of Carpenter, IA, and their daughters, Emily and Lindsey; daughter, Kristine (Justin) Matthews, of Fort Walton Beach, FL, and their sons, Cameron and Christopher "CJ"; son, Kevin (Andrea) Werner, of Springville, IA, and their son, Kaleb; siblings, Jackie (Arnie) Merkes, of Manchester, Richard (LaVerne Cross) Werner, of Mesa, AZ, Bob (Cheryl) Werner, of Grimes, Ed (Sue) Werner, of Epworth, Sue (Ron) McDermott, of Mt. Vernon, Steve (Linda) Werner, of Dyersville; in-laws, Beth (Ed) Whisler, of Dubuque, John (Ruth) Jaeger, of Manchester, Leo (Diane) Jaeger, of Kenton, OH, Leroy Jaeger, of Earlville, Loras (Mikki) Jaeger, of Davenport; and several nieces and nephews.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Sylverius and Coletta (Pottebaum) Jaeger; brother, Dan; sister, Janet (David) Mescher; and several of his in-laws.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com.