Funeral services for John A. Werner, 70, of Chamberlain will be 10:30 am Friday, May 20, 2016 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chamberlain with burial in the Graceland Cemetery in Oacoma. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the funeral services at the church.

John Alvin Werner, 70, died peacefully May 17, 2016 at the Sanborn Home in Chamberlain. John was born June 12, 1945 at Presho, SD, to Alvin and Edith (Harless) Werner. He grew up on the family ranch near the mouth of the White River and later at Oacoma, SD. He was always enthralled with the natural world around him including prairie dogs, deer, pheasants, dogs, cats, and of course Hereford Cattle. John attended Walker Country School and a special school, Sunshine School, in Chamberlain. After living in Redfield for several years, John returned to Chamberlain entering the Adjustment Training Center. He had lived in the Sanborn Home for many years making friends with many of the people at the Center and Home.
Survivors include his two sisters, Joleen of Chamberlain and Loaun Werner Vaad of Oacoma, and a brother Hal (LeAnn) Werner of Brookings, along with one niece, Tracy (Bill) Burkard, and several nephews, Wyatt, Matt, Brett, and Mark Werner and Travis (Jenna) Vaad. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial is being set up to Zion Lutheran Church, the church home that John cherished.