Alvin “Al” Werner, 88 years old, of St. Leon, IN passed away on Tuesday, January 12. Al was born on May 8, 1932 to John and Marie (Stenger) Werner at their home in St. Leon. Alvin went to grade school in St. Leon and attended Guilford High School until he his sophomore year when he quit to help his dad with the farm responsibilities. Included in his duties was driving to Louisville, KY to pick up fertilizer and seed corn which was sold to other farmers. After high school, Al enlisted in the Army. While on leave, he met his wife, Annie. He was visiting his Uncle Harold at Margaret Mary Hospital where Annie was a nurse. She caught his eye and the rest is history. They were married on July 21, 1954 and spent 65 blissful years together, expanding their family by having seven children.
After leaving the Army, Al earned his GED and began working at Rom Weber, then Foley Construction where he built bridges and retaining walls in Cincinnati. After several years there, he began his own business, Werner Homes, and became a real estate broker. Al’s photogenic mind benefited him as he was able to pass his broker’s exam on the first try. Al then became Dearborn County’s first building inspector and held this position for 25 years. To honor his years of service, a bronze bust of Al was created and is on display at the courthouse. Al’s love for his country and time in the Army led him to join St. Joseph’s Legion Post 464 where he became the first member to become the State Commander from 1986-1987. He held various offices within Post 464 as well as positions within the state and national offices. Al worked with veterans and served with various 40 & 8 offices. Al also was a member of Harrison 2633 Knights of Columbus. He was very involved with golf outings that raised funds for nursing education scholarships. An adventure everyone in town can relate to has to do with the Army Sherman Tank located in the front yard of St. Joseph’s Post 464. Al, along with John Bischoff, were responsible for driving the tank from Eaton, OH to its place of honor today. This tank has become a memorable jungle gym for the youth in this area as everyone has climbed on it at least once in their life.
A family man, Al was very active in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He would take the kids fishing with bamboo poles to their favorite watering holes at Grandpa’s pond, the overflow from Rosemary’s pond, or Morris Creek & Reservoir. He was a carpenter and would make picnic tables with the Dalls and the Stengers. Al enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and the Sharks with his dog, Pebbles. Pebbles had her favorite spot on top of Al’s chair and would place her paw on top of his head while they watched TV before she snuggled in bed with him.
Al will be greatly missed by his children Anthony (Ty) Werner of St. Leon, Art (Lynne) Werner of St. Leon, Rick (Brenda) Werner of Sunman, Anita (Charles) Smith of Michigan, Jerry Werner of Lawrenceburg, daughter-in-law Darlene Werner of St. Leon, siblings Virgina Eckstein, Leon (Alice) Werner, and Bill (Emma) Werner, and 20 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Al is preceded in death by his, wife Annie, sons Alvin & Andrew, and great grandson Elliott, parents John & Marie Werner, and brothers Virgil and Don.
Visitation for Al will be held on Tuesday, January 19 from 10:00am – 1:00pm at Andres-Wuestefeld Funeral Home. Rosary will begin at 10:00am. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 1:30 at St. Joseph’s Campus, All Saints Parish with Fr. Jonathan Meyer presiding. Burial will immediately follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Memorials can be given to the intentions of the Werner family. Memorials will be accepted at the visitation or can be mailed to Andres-Wuestefeld Funeral Home at 25615 State Rt. 1, Guilford, IN 47022. Please visit www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com to sign the online guestbook or leave condolences.
In compliance with the Governor’s mandate regarding COVID-19, please remember the social distancing guidelines and the wearing of masks. To comply with Dearborn County guidelines, only 25 attendants will be allowed into the visitation at a time. Funeral home staff will be assisting with this so that everyone has a chance to pay their respects in a safe and reverent manner. Mass attendance will remain at 150 people and will also be lived streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/aspweeklyhomily.