Paul Werni age 69 of Merrill died Tuesday August 16, 2011 while on vacation with his beloved wife Carol, his sisters, Katy and Greta, and nieces and nephews in the Swiss Alps.
Paul was born on November 23, 1941 in Semlin, Yugoslavia to Anton and Margaret (Friedrich) Werni. He spent his early childhood until 1951 in Schärding, Austria. Paul immigrated to the United States at the age of 10. Paul, his mother, his brother Peter, and sister Katy lived in Beatrice, Nebraska for two years before finally settling in Milwaukee.
In 1960 he graduated from Washington High School as valedictorian of his class.
On February 25th, 1961 he married Carol Lembach. That same year he was stationed in Oppenheim and participated in the Berlin Crisis with the US Army. He was an avid photographer while in Europe. He was then stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and was officially granted US citizenship on January 30, 1964.
Paul lived in Milwaukee and Madison until 1975 when he bought a tavern in Merrill. After selling the tavern he moved to Hudson for 7 years, until returning to Merrill in 1994. He then worked for GTE and Verizon until his retirement 2002.
Paul enjoyed his family, and loved the outdoors. He hiked, was a great hunter, and always enjoyed his yearly fishing trip with his buddy’s and another with his son, he had a passion for gardening and boating on the waters of Lake Alexander. Also, he was a participant in long distance running and marathons over the years.
He spent his final few years helping distilling at the 45th Parallel Distillery in New Richmond. Paul was a natural business man. In the winter Paul and his wife Carol would spend a few months in Florida and Arizona meeting many new friends with each trip.
Paul and Carol recognized the blessings of their family and many friends all throughout the world. He was a great traveler.
Paul was youthful at heart. Always arriving with a slick grin on his face, and a twinkle in his eye ready to “Prost!” and loosen up the crowd. He lived and loved every day like it was his last, he spread his immense wisdom to everyone he knew and always learned more along the way. And with the sound of one final polka rolling through, clinks of the glassware, and the laughter of the family; we’ll know that he will always be with us in our hearts.
Survivors include his wife Carol; Three children Deborah (Jamie) Hale Stoelting, Rothschild, Christine (Ted) Schmelling, Merrill, Paul (Tina) Werni, Minneapolis; Seven grandchildren, Michael Hale, Katy Hale, Maria Schmelling, Josephine Werni, Clyde Schmelling, Anton Werni, and Paul Werni Jr; Two sisters Greta Pichler, Germany, Katy Ganter, Milwaukee; In-laws Deloris Werni, Cedarburg, Judy Steenwig, Watertown. Brother In-laws Hanz Pichler, Germany, Wendell Lambach, Milwaukee. Many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death his parents Anton and Margaret (Fredrich) Werni. Brothers Peter and Paul Werni.
Visitation will be Friday, 12:30-4 p.m. at the Eagles Club in Merrill.
We love you. We thank God for blessing us with you.