Eugene David Werner was born July 11, 1930, in Omro Township, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota, to Edward and Clara (Lachelt) Werner. He was baptized July, 1930 and confirmed in 1944 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Omro Township. He attended rural school through the 8th grade and farmed with his father until he served three years in the Minnesota National Guard as a Machine Gun Sgt. Eugene met Helen Benson upon return from the military and they were married on November 21, 1953, at Israel Lutheran Church in Swede Prairie Township. Eugene and Helen have farmed in Yellow Medicine County for 60 years and continued to attend Israel Lutheran Church until 2006 when Israel Church was dissolved. Eugene served as the congregational President from 1989 to 2006 and was also the Sunday School Superintendent for many years while Helen served as church organist for over 50 years. Eugene enjoyed farming with his sons, David and James until his death. Eugene and Helen attended Clarkfield Lutheran Church from 2006 to present and participated in Bible studies and Eugene served on the Ministry board for three years and assisted with communion. Eugene and Helen always opened their home to friends and family for a cup of coffee, a meal and conversation around the kitchen table. Eugene loved his family and always provided encouragement and support to all. He was known for his gentleness, his tender-hearted concern for others and his great sense of humor. He loved his Lord God and served Him faithfully. Eugene and Helen had four children: David, who is married to Deb (Sandt) of Montevideo, Minnesota, Baby Werner, born February 4, 1957, (deceased at birth), Cynthia Ritter (Tim) of Andover, Minnesota, and James Werner of Dawson, Minnesota. David and Deb have 10 children: Leah (Richard) Miller of New Paris, Indiana, Timothy (Stephanie) Werner of Plainview, Indiana, Peter (Laura) Werner of Syracuse, Indiana, Naomi (Steve) Odom of Montevideo, Minnesota, Benjamin (Nichole) Werner of Osceola, Indiana, and Philip Werner of Ames, Iowa, Jennifer (Damion) Gilyard of Madison, Minnesota, Melissa (Michael) Stattelman of Montevideo, Minnesota, Katie (Nate) Brusven of Marshall, Minnesota, and Hillary (Nathan) Riecke of Clarkfield, Minnesota. Cindy and Tim Ritter have four children: Christiana (Greg) Ostrem of Centerville, South Dakota, Amy Ritter (engaged to Valentine Awasom) of St. Paul, Minnesota, Michelle Ritter of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Erin Ritter of Andover, Minnesota. James has two children, Nathan Werner and Cheyanne Werner of Dawson, Minnesota. Great grandchildren include: Reese Miller, Brooks Werner, Alexis, Brayden and Sophia Werner, Drago and Norrin Gilyard, Isaiah, Carson and Mauren Brusven, Calvin and Weston Riecke, Creed and Liesel Ostrem. Eugene passed away on July 2, 2014, at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar, Minnesota. He was surrounded by family, with worship and prayer every moment during his hospitalization until his last breath. He is survived by his brother, Leon (Florence) Werner of Dawson, Minnesota and his sister, Almira Koch of Montevideo, Minnesota, and nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Clara Werner; brother, Everett Werner; and son, infant Baby Werner. Funeral Service Sunday, July 6, 2014 ~ 2:00 p.m. Clarkfield Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Clergy Officiating, Pastor Chris Zuraff Organist, Charlann Anspech Worship Music (by Granddaughters) Christiana Osterm, Amy, Michelle and Erin Ritter Processional - Amazing Grace (Insert) Welcome, Prayers Obituary Reflections Scripture Readings Romans 8:16-18 John 14:1-7 Special Music - "Untitled Hymn" by Chris Rice Sermon Special Music - "No More Night" by Walter S. Harrah Creed Prayers The Lord's Prayer (vocal solo) Recessional- Hymn "Nearer My God to Thee" (Insert) Casket Bearers Tim Werner ~ Peter Werner Ben Werner ~ Phil Werner Richard Miller ~ Greg Ostrem Final Resting Place Israel Lutheran Cemetery Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota