Joseph Alan "Joe" Werland

Joseph Alan Werland
1937 – 2024
With sadness in our hearts, we announce the passing of Joseph Alan Werland
on December 2, 2024. Joe was a loving husband and father, grandfather,
brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to those who knew him. He was surrounded
by his large family over the past year as he prepared for his eternal reward.
Joe was born in Santa Barbara to M.O. "Tex" and Frances M. Werland. He was
their only son and grew up with three sisters in Ventura, California. Joe rode
his bicycle to the San Buenaventura Mission before school at Holy Cross to
serve the altar for daily Mass. He earned his diploma at Ventura High School,
graduating in 1955.
Joe enlisted in the Army in 1958 during the Vietnam Era. He completed six
months of active-duty training at Fort Ord and then joined the Reserves. He
was fortunate to serve stateside and received an Honorable Discharge in 1964.
Joe was a self-taught engineer. He worked at Raytheon for a short time, but
he spent his professional career as a Civil Servant at Point Mugu Naval Air
Station where he advanced to managing the Missile Test Center. Among the
many storied projects he worked on are the Phoenix Missile and President
Reagan's "Star Wars" Missile Defense System.
He married his sweetheart, Barbara Gisler, in 1960. Together, they raised six
children, built a home on Foothill Road, grew avocados, and managed the
family partnership for his father-in-law, Alvin Gisler. He converted the
basement of the family's split-level house into a spacious apartment for his
own father. Many memorable vacations were spent with his family camping,
motorcycle riding and boating. Annual trips to Disneyland on "Point Mugu
Night" were a child's dream.
Joe was a generous man, giving time to Boy Scout Troop #120 in Saticoy and
the Ventura Olympic Canoe Club (VOCC). Serving his Catholic Community
was central to his faith. He was a Lector and Eucharistic Minister at Sacred
Heart Parish in Ventura until his retirement. He was also active in Knights of
Columbus, San Buenaventura Council 2498, where he served over 20 years as
the treasurer.
Joe's second act began when he married Landy Graham in 1992 and became
a stepfather to her two sons. After retiring from civil service in 1996, they
moved to Lake LBJ in Texas, where they enjoyed lake living and being closer
to his many relatives in Texas. Travel and adventure became their way of life.
In addition to visiting California frequently, they bought a diesel pusher
motorhome and toured Mexico's Copper Canyon and the Alaskan Highway.
They also had fun taking cruises with good friends. They especially enjoyed
traveling to Germany and Italy on a European vacation.
Joe served as a volunteer fireman and his church community in Sunrise
Beach, Texas before he and Landy moved back to California. After a brief time
in the mountains, they settled in Cambria and became parishioners at Santa
Rosa Catholic Church. Joe was famous for cooking corned beef briskets for
the annual St Patrick's Day festivities as well as tri tip BBQ for the summer
fiestas. He made fast friends with Fr. Mark Stetz and Roy and Eileen and
enjoyed going out for dinner and drinks after the 5:00 pm Mass on Saturday
nights. As Joe's health declined, he and Landy relocated to Santa Maria where
they found themselves in a walkable community closer to healthcare.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Grey King; sister,
Mary Kiefer Carmona; daughter, Marianne Shealy; stepson, Grant MacIver;
nephew, Kevin Kiefer; and beloved golden retriever, Hairy. He outlived more
friends than he could count.
He is survived by his wife, Landy Werland; two sisters, Sr. Frances Mary
Werland C.S.C. and Doris (Tom) Holland; and brother-in-law, Felix Carmona.
He is also survived by his children: Mike (Dayna) Werland, David Joseph
Werland, Jeannie (Bernard) Olsen, Bonnie (John) Summers, Jim (Megan)
Werland, Max MacIver; and son-in-law Bill Shealy.
His legacy includes eighteen grandchildren: Jay Dee Werland, Lacey (Jeremy)
Anes, Garrett Werland, Austin (Nikki) Werland, Kristina Pappas, Catie (Josh)
Pratt Ferguson, Scott Palmer, Nicholas Olsen, Katelyn Olsen, Matthew
(Marina) Olsen, Emily Olsen, Andrew Olsen, Colin Summers, Hope Summers,
Jack Werland, Lila Werland, Eleanor Werland, Max Thomas MacIver, and four
great-grandsons; Bronson Anes, Brenton Werland, Malakai Olsen, and Colton
Werland.
Joe will be missed by nieces and nephews Kathleen Jappe, Kelly Kiefer, Stacy
King and Steve King as well as numerous cousins in California and Texas.
Joe's family wishes to thank the staff and caregivers at Bayside Care Center in
Morro Bay where he was affectionately known as "Papa Joe" for the dignity
and loving care he was given this past year. We also thank Fr. Gabriel and the
parishioners at St Timothy's Catholic Church who attended to the spiritual
care of Joe this past year. We are very grateful for your dedication in bringing
the Eucharist to those who are not able to attend Mass. In lieu of flowers,
please consider visiting your local care facility to brighten the day of an elderly
shut-in.
Funeral services will be Saturday, January 18, 2025 in Cambria, California.
Rosary will begin at 9:30 am in the church, immediately followed by a Funeral
Mass at 10:00 am. Santa Rosa Catholic Church, 1174 Main Street, Cambria,
CA, 93428. Inurnment of ashes at 12:00 noon at Cambria District Cemetery
6005 Bridge Street, Cambria, CA 93428 and luncheon reception at Santa Rosa
Church Hall where we will share stories and pictures in remembrance of Joe.