Obituary of Roger Wernke

Roger P. Wernke, 81, of Holy Cross, Iowa died Saturday, May 14, 2011, at his home, where he was born. Friends may call from 3 until 8 p.m. Thursday, May 19, 2011, at Kramer Funeral Home in Holy Cross where a parish scripture service will be held at 3 p.m. and a parish rosary will be recited at 5 p.m. and VFW post 7736 will gather at 7 p.m. Visitation will also held from 9 until 10 a.m. on Friday, May 20 2011 at Kramer Funeral Home in Holy Cross. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, May 20, 2011, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Holy Cross, Iowa with burial in the church cemetery. Officiating will be Rev. Ray Burkle. Military Honors will be accorded at the church cemetery. Roger was born on October 19, 1929 in Holy Cross, Iowa, the son of John and Odelia (Zewen) Wernke. He joined the U.S. Army serving his country from 1953 - 1955 during the Korean War. Roger returned from service and married Anna Mae Pape on May 8, 1956 in Edgewood, Iowa. Together they farmed in the Edgewood and Holy Cross areas for over 40 years. Roger enjoyed playing dominoes, making wooden puzzles and other woodworking projects, delivering Avon products, and spending time with his dog, Chase. He enjoyed nature, watching birds and caring for his many adopted pets Roger was a member of the Holy Name Society and VFW Post 7736 in which he participated in many social outings. Roger and deceased wife Anna Mae helped many children as foster parents over the course of 12 years and they both enjoyed spending time with their children, grandchildren and many foster children whose lives they touched. Survivors include his children: Alan (Dorene) Wernke of Hopkins, MN, and Annette (David) Hill of Hiawatha, IA, 6 grandchildren, Dana Wernke of Hopkins, MN, Ireland, Sierra, Sydney, Aspen and Vienna Hill all of Hiawatha, IA, brothers: David (Bernadette), Robert (Janet) both of Dyersville, IA; sisters: Marion (Tom) Noblit of Loretto, TN, Joan Klein of Rickardsville IA and Ruth (Rick) Ruden of Cresco, IA, and brother-in-law, John (Theresa) Pape of Edgewood, IA, foster son, Dale (LuAnn) Woolf of Dyersville, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Anna Mae Wernke and brother-in law; Donald Klein. The Family would like to express sincere thanks to the dedicated caregivers of Above and Beyond. Memorials are preferred.