John R. Werket

Jim, it's been so long. I was sad to read of your fathers death. I remember him well and the advice he gave me at the state road championships; too bad I didn't follow up on it. I guess I just had the wrong muscle twitch. I hope you're all holding up okay. I know how it is. Love to all the family - Julian

Living in Alaska has been a special time.
Met one of Johns "students" Billy Peterson here through music and skating. Billy flew up one year to compete in the Fur Rendezvous Speed skating events..headline said " Minnesota skater sweeps 5 Events"
That Johnny was a 'elluva coach!
bill neumeister anc ak

John was a dedicated coach. He taught me how to skate, even though I was on a competing club. He took many of us to West Allis WI to compete in the metric style of skating. There is a plaque at the Blaine Soccer complex with his Olympic accomplishments on it. He was not a big man, and the Russians took film of his style to figure out what he was doing that was so much more efficient. Powderhorn park was the center of U.S. Speedskating prior to 1960. At sporting events you occasionally hear the expression "work it", I am certain Johnny was the root of this phrase.

Hello Werket Family,

I fondly remember your dad. I can still picture his smile, his bow ties and the twinkle in his eye.

I will always think of him as a good an honorable man.

-God bless you all as you celebrate a life well lived,
Mary (Goodman) Teurman-Diamond Lake Lutheran

Our sincere condolences to John on the loss of his father. We hope the days to come are of comfort and healing.

Deborah Morse-Kahn (Debbie Kahn)
for the Washburn Class of '70

My father, Leif Eide, who grew up across the street from Powderhorn Park told me many many times about the famous Johnny Werket and his speed skating. Evidently there were speed skating races around the island in Powderhorn Lake. My dad is gone now, too and had his services at Diamond Lake Lutheran with Pastor Bonn coming back to do them. It's so hard to lose your dad - my sympathies to your family.

Hello from the entire Muus family, Ham and Pearl, now living full time in Grand Marais, MN, Nathan in Oakland, CA, Jeff in the Twincities, and Solveig in Phoenix, AZ..we fondly remember John....