Ronald Werner

Ronald L. Werner, lifelong resident of Cape Girardeau, passed away peacefully Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, at Jackson Manor in Jackson.

Ron was born May 13, 1940, in Cape Girardeau to the late Alvin and Freida Werner. After high school, Ron enlisted in the U.S. Army on May 5, 1958, and did his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, where he was an SR Medical Aid man in the 140th Infantry, Grade SP5 E5. After completing his service on May 4, 1961, he joined the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged on April 30, 1962.

Ron first worked with his father at Werner's Market on Broadway; his favorite "breakfast" was a Braunschweiger sandwich with green onions! He went to business school and continued working in the grocery business until he obtained his real estate license in the 1970s, which he did until retirement.

Ron loved hunting and fishing for deer, turkey dove, quail, crappie, bluegill and even frog gigging. Any season he was ready to go! Ron always loved the outdoors and lived in his home for more than 52 years, surrounded by woods and a lake. He loved feeding his birds, trying to trap that pesky coon and taking his four-wheeler to check his wildlife cams and putting out salt licks for the deer. His hunting buddies will sorely miss him. One of Ron's favorite pastimes was sitting in his swing on the deck watching the critters. He often said it was the best gift he ever received.

Ron had so many special friends that he had known for decades. His dearest friend, Larry Haertling, and he even shared the nursery together, having been born four days apart. He often joked that he was glad he wasn't as "old" as Larry. They remained lifelong friends and were in the same Army infantry, until his final day on this earth.

He will be deeply missed by so many. He was very social and considered everyone a friend. He loved piddling around the house and going to visit friends (often giving them fresh pecans from the family's groves) and running errands.

Ron was a wonderful and loving husband and the best father a girl could want to daughters Deborah (Robert) Bessette and Kimberly (Doug) Brown. He cherished his beloved grandchildren, Aric (Jessica) Holzbauer and Morgan (Zach) Orrell, all from Cape Girardeau. His great-granddaughter, Kaylee Orrell, was the apple of his eye. His death has been gut wrenching to all of those who so dearly loved him. Besides his children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter, he leaves behind a half brother, Rick Werner; sister-in-law, Barb (the late Dr. Robert) Werner, all of Cape Girardeau; and sister-in-law, Nancy (Jack) Donovan of Wyoming. Additionally, he leaves behind a nephew, Randall (Emily) Werner of Houston; niece, Tracy Werner of Phoenix; cousins and many, many friends.

In addition to his wife of 58 years, Ron was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Betty Werner; brother and sister-in law, Dr. Robert (Dora May) Werner; aunts, uncles, cousins and many childhood friends.

We know he is enjoying a glorious reunion with his Lord and Saviour and his many, many family members and childhood friends. The family wishes to thank from the bottom of their hearts the very special staff at Jackson Manor, who treated him with love, kindness and respect, including a special resident, Connie, who talked to him and kept him company. They also wish to extend their heartfelt thanks to the special people of Elara Caring Hospice, who gave him a peaceful and pain-free passing. They will be forever grateful to all of you.

A memorial service for both he and his beloved wife, Janet, who passed during COVID, will be held Wednesday, Sept. 4, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home, with visitation from noon to 2 p.m. followed by a short service given by Pastor Jacob May from Christ Lutheran Church in Gordonville.

Since there will be no burial, please, no flowers. Plants if you wish, or preferably donations to the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, National Kidney Foundation or charity of choice.

Southeast Missourian