Herman (Duke) Werner

**Herman (Duke) Werner, Jr., 79, of Versailles** passed away Monday, September 7, 2009 at his home. He was born at Cross Plains on January 5, 1930 the son of Herman Sr. and Leola Smith Werner. He was married to Catherine Ward on November 26, 1953 and she survives. Other survivors include one daughter Kay (Kevin) Byrne of Sellersburg; three sons Jeff (Melissa) Werner of North Manchester, Chris (Shelley) Werner of Cincinnati, and David (Gwen) Werner of Gainesville, Florida; four grandchildren; one brother Estol Werner of Milhousen; one sister Esther (Raymond) Geisler of Correct. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Norman. Mr. Werner was a 1948 graduate of Versailles High School. He was an Army veteran of Korea where he was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart. He was also the recipient of the Korean Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, United Nations Medal, and two Bronze Stars. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Olean, the Versailles American Legion, and was a former member of the Versailles Town Board. Mr. Werner was a 32-year employee of Monsanto, retiring in 1989. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 12 at 10:30 am at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Olean with Pastor James Culver officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery at Versailles with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be Friday from 4 pm to 8 pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Memorials may be given to St. Paul's building fund, Cliff Hill Cemetery, or the Kings Daughters Hospice in care of the funeral home.