Herbert J. Werla, Sr.
July 13, 1924 - September 27, 2013
Obituary
MADISON-Herbert J. “Herb” Werla, Sr., age 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 27, 2013 at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 13, 1924, in Dane, the son of the late Thomas and Kathryn (Barbian) Werla. Herb was united in marriage to Donna Haag on October 9, 1951 in St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Dane. He was employed his whole life as a carpenter. His passion for woodworking gave many wonderful memories and treasures to enjoy with the items of love that he created for his family. Herb also had a love of the outdoors, enjoying hunting and fishing in the Canadian waters. He also enjoyed bowling, horseshoes, and playing cards, but he truly treasured most the time he spent with his family. Herb was a charter member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus. In addition to his wife of 61 years, Donna, Herb is survived by his children, Darlene (friend, Randy Ertl) Van Gorden, Lori (Rick) Maier, Butch (Paula) and Harlan (Kathy); eight grandchildren, Jenna (Rob) Vovos, Emily and Austin Werla, Hayley Werla, Ben, Katie and Elizabeth Maier and Chelsea Ertl; a great-grandson, Matthew Vovos; a sister, Helen Niesen; a brother, Urban (Margaret) Werla and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Herb was preceded in death by a brother, Tom, Jr (Rita) Werla; his sisters, Sister Antonius, Olive (Jack) Adler and Catherine Werla and a brother-in-law, Ray Niesen. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Drive, Madison at 11:00 AM on Monday, September 30, 2013 with Father Bart Timmerman presiding. Burial will be in Highland Memory Gardens, Cottage Grove. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM on Sunday, September 29, 2013 and also on Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. For online condolences please visit www.gundersonfh.com. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sister Georgeann Roudebush, Father Bart Timmerman, Father Donald Murray and the staff of HospiceCare for their loving care and visits of Herb.
Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave
608-831-6761
www.gundersonfh.com
Events
Visitation
Sun Sep 29, 2013 @ 3:00 AM - 5:00 AM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Visitation
Mon Sep 30, 2013 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church (Madison) • 602 Everglade Drive, Madison, WI 53717
Service
Mon Sep 30, 2013 @ 11:00 AM CDT
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church (Madison) • 602 Everglade Drive, Madison, WI 53717
Photos
No photos of Herbert have been shared yet.
Memories
GC
Gordon Coyle
Other •
Donna and family, my payers are with you and your family. I have fond memories working with Herb while doing electrical work at the Gay building.
JE
Joy Endres
Other •
Harlan and family--
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time.
Mike and Joy Endres
MC
Msgr Terry Connors
Other •
He was a great help to me when I was Pastor of ST Thomas and I had great respect for him and will cherish his memory. He remains in my prayers and thoughts. Msgr Terry Connors
MB
Mary Jo Blumer
Other •
Our sympathy, thoughts & prayers to Aunt Donna and family. Mary Jo (Kalscheuer) & Bill Blumer
JP
John S. Pinto
Other •
Donna: My deep sympathies on Herb's death. I pray that God will give you the strength to bear your loss. - John S. Pinto, Madison
I am sorry that I cannot do this in person
LH
Laura L. Hansen
Other •
Donna, Dar, Chelsea, Lori and other family members, When the Lord calls our loved ones home, he leaves a gift of memories in exchange. Hold on to your memories, and let them guide you during this time of sadness. One memory I remember of your dad Dar years ago, is of his taking some tweezers to remove a grape from in your throat! :-) Do you remember that one Dar? May God be with you all today to help support and comfort you all! <3 Your Friend, Laura Hansen Madison, WI.