Alfred George Wernke, Jr., 78, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025, with his family by his side at his home in Batesville, Indiana. He was born to Alfred and Mary Jane (nee Schumacker) Wernke, Sr., on May 21, 1946.
Al married the love of his life Mary Jane (nee Hoelker) Wernke in November of 1966 at St. Louis Church in Batesville, and he remained devoted to her memory throughout his life. His children take comfort in knowing he is now reunited with her. Al was quick to laugh and whether it was a stranger on the street or a friend behind the counter, he welcomed them with a smile and appreciation. Al attended Xavier University and built a career in the transportation and logistics industry. He grew up with a love for baseball and sports in general. He was a good storyteller. Al enjoyed the little things in life, especially a walk in the woods or a good meal. Al was a devoted Catholic and he spent hours contemplating spirituality and shared his insights with his children and grandchildren. Later in life he showed an incredible ability to make positive change in the way he lived, setting an example for all who witnessed this growth.
Alfred is survived by his daughters Kara (Joe) Dollries of Cincinnati, OH and Julia (Jeff Schauer) Wernke of Shorewood, WI and sons Paul Wernke of Cincinnati, OH and John (April Bright) Wernke of Round Rock, TX; sisters Theresa (Joseph) Wallpe of Evansville, IN, Deborah (Kenneth) Wanstrath and Mary Wernke both of Batesville; brother Robert (Ann) Wernke of Batesville; grandchildren Abigail, Lilian, John Henry, and Jayden; his former wife Cathy Helmick (and daughter Carol Turchick); and several nieces and nephews. Alfred was preceded in death by his first wife Mary Jane and his parents Mary Jane and Alfred Wernke Sr.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Morris, Indiana. The burial will immediately follow at the St. Louis Catholic Cemetery in Batesville. Memorials may be made to: National Kidney Foundation of Indiana https://kidneyindiana.org/ or Lifetime Resources https://lifetime-resources.org/donate/. Online condolences can be made at www.weigelfh.com.