Joseph L. Werner

Joseph L. Werner, 87, of Axtell, KS, peacefully passed October 15, surrounded by family. Visitation will be Thursday, October 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Axtell-Landreth Funeral Home. A rosary service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Axtell. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 22, at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Father Jim Shaughnessy will officiate. The pallbearers will be Adam Kuckelman, Drew Kuckelman, Tony Kuckelman, Clark Werner, Dakota Kemble, Donny Hulsing, Sam Haines, Dillon Stueve, Brandon Swogger, Brett Swogger and Rodney Deters. Burial will follow the service in the parish cemetery. Joseph “Joe” was born November 20, 1933, at Sabetha, KS, to Francis and Etta (Schuetz) Werner. In 1951, he graduated from Fairview High School at Fairview, KS. On September 30, 1957, he married Jane Fangman at St. Benedict Catholic Church. Joe was a Rural Mail Carrier, drove a school bus for over thirty years, and did both construction and mechanic work. He built the family home, which they lived in for 58 years, and restored classic vehicles. He served in the National Guard, volunteered on the Axtell Volunteer Fire Department, where he was a past Fire Chief, was a member of the Lions Club and bowled in the Seneca Bowling League. He coached girls softball, helped run the clock for sporting events, and worked the chain gang for football games. He enjoyed Axtell Eagle Athletics and savored any Eagle victory. He also enjoyed camping with his family and traveling with Jane, his wife. He touched many lives and will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Timothy Kemble; and brother, Melvin Werner. Survivors include his wife, Jane; children, Rose (Bob) Kuckelman, Axtell, Barb (Eric) Kemble, Carbondale KS, Joe (Anne) Werner, Axtell, Diane (Robert) Friedrichs, Herkimer, KS, and Shirley (Rick) Swogger, Burlingame KS; siblings, Helen Benton, Meriden, KS, and Frank (Ireta) Werner, Arizona; fourteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. A memorial fund has been established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of the Axtell-Landreth Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph L. Werner, please visit our flower store.