Donald "Don" P. Werner

Donald “Don” P. Werner, age 84, of Appleton, passed away on Sunday, June 24, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on December 5, 1933 to the late Anton G. Werner Jr. and Mary M. Werner (Mueller) in the Town of Center, Wisconsin.

From a very young age Don learned to work hard and care for others. His father passed when he was only in 8th grade, Don took up his father’s work load and labored on the family farm as well as working at Werner’s Alley’s. When he was of age Don joined the U.S. Army and served active time in the States during the Korean War. Upon returning from his military service he started a 50-year long career with the Operator Engineers Local Union 139.

Don married the love of his life, Karen Gruber at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Appleton on October 15, 1960. Together they were blessed with four children.

He stayed a very active man until recent years. Don loved all activities that had to do with the outdoors: hunting, fishing and watching wildlife. He especially treasured time spent Up North at the family cabin: waterskiing, snowmobiling and the annual Easter Egg Hunt. Don also enjoyed following NASCAR and always looked forward to adventures with Ray & Janice Sommers.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Karen; four children, Kim (Mark) Berge, Kari Werner (special friend Kent Kerkhoff), Jody Werner and Donald Werner; seven grandchildren, Brandon (Rachel), Nicole (Matt), Connor, Scott (Seena), Shanda (Will), Bryce and Jessica (Nick); four great-grandchildren, Blake, Nixon, Collin and Grayson. He is further survived by brother, Ronald (Carole) Werner; and sister-in-law, Janice Sommers. Don is also survived by many other family members, God children and friends too numerous to list but never forgotten.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leo (Beatrice) Gruber, and his siblings, Natalene (Donald) Huettl, Kenneth (Mae) Huettl, Robert Werner, Arline (Ralph) Becker and Leon Werner; brother-in-law, Ray Sommers; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Gruber. Don was also preceded in death by his furry companion, Buddy.

The Funeral Liturgy will be held on Friday, June 29, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 312 S. State Street in Appleton. Visitation will be held the night before on Thursday, June 28, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior Street in Appleton. Visitation will resume on Friday at church starting at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass. Military Honors will follow the Funeral Mass. Interment will be held at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Appleton. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Don’s name. Online condolences can be shared at www.wichmannfargo.com.

Don’s family would like to thank the staff of both Senior Helpers and Heartland Hospice for the wonderful care given to Don and shared to his family.