Deane Werger

Deane Werger, 91, of Garnavillo, died Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the Guttenberg Care Center, Guttenberg. He was born on Aug. 11, 1932 to Carl and Irene (Ferguson) Werger in National. He graduated from Postville High School in May of 1951, where he medaled in track with the nickname of “Speed.”

Deane was united in marriage with Marilyn Green on March 9, 1952. Four children were born to this union. He was a dairy farmer most of his life. He enjoyed spending time with grandchildren fishing, squirrel hunting and attending their 4-H and sporting events and also making chocolate malts for them. He loved wintering in Florida for many years with family. Deane served on the church council, helped with 4-H events, worked at the St. Paul food stand at Clayton County Fair and served on the Farm Bureau Committee. He was a full-time care taker for his wife for many years while she had Parkinson’s. Deane was an excellent baker and candy maker. He was a man of faith and loved doing puzzles.

Deane is survived by three children, Gary Werger of Keota, Diane (David) Fox of Port Orange, Fla., and Kim (Linda) Werger of Elkader; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren with one on the way; sister, Gwen (Leigh Rekow) of Postville and step-brother, Rex (Judy) Carlson of Woodbury, Minn.

Deane was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; son, Alan Werger; grandsons, Jeff and Matthew Werger; his father, Carl Werger; his mother and step-father, Irene (Keith) Carlson; father- and mother-in-law, Chester and Edna Green; sister and brother-in-law, Ardis and Jack Dibble; brother-in-law, Glen Green; special aunt and uncle, Marie and Irvin Fehlhafer; and his dog, Charlie.

Visitation and funeral services were April 19, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Garnavillo, with Rev. Gary Hatcher as the officiant. Burial followed at Garnavillo Cemetery, Garnavillo.

Memorials in Deane’s honor may be made to the local fire departments.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elkader, is helping the family with the arrangements.