"In the late 1950\'s and early 60\'s I rode motorcycles with a Donny Werner who advised me to slow down or get killed. I treasure that advice.... Let me know if this was he...."
In loving memory of
Donald Joseph Werner
July 15, 1938 - August 3, 2021
Donald Joseph Werner, age 83 of Winona, died peacefully surrounded by family on August 3, 2021 at his home.
Don was born in Winona, Minnesota on July 15, 1938 to Preston and Gertrude (Anglewitz) Werner. He was united in marriage to Julie Matchey in Independence, Wisconsin on April 28, 1962. From this union came four children, Cory, Donna, Carol, and Don. Donald was proud to serve his country in the National Guard. He was employed with the Chicago Northwestern Railroad company until his retirement.
If you knew Don, then you knew his calling in life was to fish and hunt. His home away from home was the Mighty Mississippi River and he knew the best spots to catch a great fish. He was an inventive guy who was extremely resourceful. He could find items considered junk and turn them into treasures. Don had an appetite for fun and could sometimes be known as mischievous. He enjoyed playing cribbage and going to the casinos to win! Donald had a special place in his heart for animals. He often cared for the birds and squirrels, and he adored his fur babies. Don was most proud of his family and instilled a great work ethic and sense of responsibility in his children. He frequently enjoyed watching his nephew Karl Fenske race at tracks in the tri-state area. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Donald will remain in the hearts of his wife of 59 years, Julie; children, Cory Jamieson, Donna (Dean) Brevig, and Don M. (Chris) Werner; grandchildren, Brianna (Ryan) Sather and their children, Trent and Makena, Lance (Stephanie) Schiltz and their children, Aria and Malcolm, Drew (Lindsay) Schilitz and their children, William, Natalie, and Maddison, Brad (Nicole) Brevig and their son, Lucas, Eric Schiltz, Brendan Brevig (Fiance, Shayde McKay), Jeremy Werner, and Jordyn Werner; his sister, Carol Fenske; his brother, Robert Werner; and his beloved dogs, Tido and Tillie; as well as many other nieces and nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Carol Jean; his parents; his brother, Charles P.; son-in-law, Mike Jamieson; parents-in-law, Martin and Ella Matchey; brothers-in-law, Marvin Fenske and Joseph Matchey; sisters-in-law, Dolores Melby and Ruth Werner; special nephew, Karl Fenske; and his fur baby, Misty.
A Celebration of Life for Don will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, August 8th, 2021 at the Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview, MN. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. at the funeral home on Sunday, August 8th, 2021. Memorials are preferred to the Winona Health Hospice program. Please leave a memory of Donald and view his video tribute when it is available at www.hofffuneral.com. Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Goodview, is assisting the family.
Tributes
"Sorry to hear of your husbands, dads, grandfathers passing. May he rest in peace. "
"Sorry should be les and karen nelson"
"So sorry to hear of the passing of Donnie. We have many fond memories of him and you. Condolences to you and your kids. He sure loved his grandkids didn\'t t?"
"Hope you rode your motorcycle to the Wild Blue Yonder. Fondly, Jeanine"
"Thoughts and prayers go out to your wife Julie and children. Thank you for all the times you dragged your neighbors kid (me) with you and your family to Valley Fair and the races in Fountain City. RIP Don. "
"It doesn\'t matter how old you are when you lose your dad how incredibly hard it is. My heart is broken you are gone but I know you are at rest and pain free which helps comfort me. I\'m going to miss you so much. I love you Dad! ?"