Warren Ralph Werner

1949 - 2021

Werner, Warren Ralph

MADISON - The Viking Pirate began his next great voyage on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, from his most recent port of call in Madison, Wis. "Valhalla, I am coming." This son of Norway and Eagle Scout started his earthly voyage in Eau Claire, Wis., on May 17, 1949, which coincided with the 135th anniversary of Norwegian Independence. Warren attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, majoring in accounting and philosophy, the combination of which set the course for the many causes to which he became committed later in life. A founding partner of LaCrosse Computer Systems, he helped bring the Wisconsin medical community into the digital age during the 1980s.

In addition to his love for birds, Warren was an accomplished seashell hunter, with a sharp eye for-and an encyclopedic knowledge of-all manner of aquatic life along the Gulf Coast of Florida. He maintained a beautiful collection of seashells, some quite rare, as well as stamps, coins and golf balls, at his home in Madison.

A lifelong obsession with golf was ignited when he qualified for the Wisconsin State Championship while attending Menomonie High School, which almost cost him his graduation because the tournament was held the same day as the ceremony. The explanation for the mysterious appearance of seashells in the sand traps of Madison's Yahara Hills Golf Course may now be revealed as having been his handiwork. However, the perpetrator of bottle rocket attacks against too-slow weekend duffers shall remain a mystery. No mention will be made herein of rogue landscaping that occurred on the course, although a pruning saw was found in the trunk of his car next to his golf bag. One thing is certain: Warren enjoyed sharing both the pain and the joy of golf with his mates whenever he stepped on the tee.

Motivated by a deep sense of service, Warren was passionately devoted to progressive causes, including equal rights for men and women, preserving the environment, and those serving in uniform, which led to a lifelong habit of charitable giving well beyond that of a generous citizen . . . as well as a few uninvited appearances at the Wisconsin State Capitol in solidarity with the struggles he supported.

A prodigious reader of history, literature, politics, philosophy, Western novels, and mysteries, few things made Warren happier than sitting in a lounge chair on the beach, devouring another book, and plotting his next voyage of escape from the harsh Wisconsin winter. As he grew older and wiser, he found refuge as well as friendship as guest pirate aboard a host of cruise ships, eventually earning a gold medal as a frequent sailor aboard the Holland America Line.

A profound affection for family set the rhythm of his life, and he lived to be a part of every family gathering. He was especially proud of his nephews, James and Jonathan Winnefeld, who he launched on their own pirate journeys. His final family appearance occurred with his buccaneer heart in full flourish at Thanksgiving dinner on the beach with his family at Sanibel Island, Fla. Nobody walked the plank, but it was close. Warren will live forever within those waters he loved.

Warren once said, "The lost golf ball symbolizes life . . . we are all lost, waiting to be found." And this Viking Pirate found and kept every golf ball there ever was to be found . . . both literally and, through his giving soul, figuratively. His family and friends will deeply miss his irreverent spirit, quick wit, generous nature, and wily smile. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420