Obituary of Patrick Werner

Patrick Werner, age 75, of south west Dyersville, IA, died April 25, 2019, at Manor Care in Dubuque, after a long illness.

Visitation will be held Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. April 28, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12^th Ave SW in Dyersville.  The American Legion Post #137 will gather for a legion service at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue Monday from 9-10 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.

Pat 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, Pat and family 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 many forms 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 Osh Kosh 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.