Joe Elmer Werner, 78, of Aberdeen, SD, formerly of Rockham, SD died Saturday, January 24, 2009, after a courageous battle with colon cancer at Aberdeen Health and Rehab. His funeral will be Thursday, January 29, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Redfield. Reverend Tim Fugman will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Redfield. Visitation will be Wednesday from 1-8:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers Joe's family prefers memorials directed to the American Cancer Society in Joe's honor.

Joe was born August 19, 1930, on the farm, near Rockham, SD, to James A. and Mabel (Keller) Werner. Joe was the youngest of eight children. Joe attended grade school at a country school near Miller and then he attended Redfield High School. Joe worked on the family farm until 1949, when he moved to Yankton, SD. In 1974, Joe moved to Aberdeen Health and Rehab Center where he resided until his death.

Joe is survived by his sister Lela Peterson, Freeborn. MN; nieces: Sharon (Dan) Graney, Tucson, AZ; Trudy (Dan) Benedict, Hastings, MN; and Darlene (Elden) Wanna, Aberdeen, SD; nephews: Albert E. (Donna) Larson, Dilworth, MN; Don (Karla) Werner, Vallajo, CA; Dwaine (Debbie) Werner, Sun Prairie, WI; Gene (Laurie) Larson, Fargo, ND; Roger Peterson, Rochester, MN; Ramon (Tracy) Larson, Fargo, ND; Jim Werner, Rockham, SD; sisters-in-law: Kathy Werner, Rockham, SD; Emily Werner, Lancaster, WI; Doris Werner, Patch Grove, WI; Arlene Werner, Marble Falls, TX; several great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, sister Nellie Larson and her husband Albert, brothers: Roy Werner, Eugene Werner, Fay Werner, Lee Werner and Lowell Werner, nephews Leroy Werner, Dennis Werner and brother-in-law Peter Peterson.
Casketbearers will be Jim Werner, Albert E. Larson, Gene Larson, Ramon Larson, Roger Peterson and Elden Wanna.