Joseph William Werre

Joseph William Werre Jr., age 95, died on August 10, 2024. He was born at home in Grand Forks, ND on April 14, 1929 to Joseph Werre and Elizabeth Balough Werre. He served in the army from 1946-1948 with the occupation of Japan. Upon returning home, he received his Equivalency Diploma. He married the love of his life, Helen Michelson, on June 19th, 1949. It's a testament to his love for her that he joined her in heaven on her birthday. Joe drove city bus full time while attending the University of North Dakota, graduating in 3 years in 1952. He received a BS degree from Winona State in 1959, and a Masters degree in 1965.

Joe was the Principal at Beltrami School, followed by Dover School, and then Longfellow School in Rochester from 1958-1986. Along with his wife, Helen, he owned Rochester Driving School from 1957-1995.

His passions were his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He loved woodworking, downhill skiing, his cabin at the lake, and traveling the world.

Joe was a member of Legion Post 92, a founding member of Suburban Toastmasters, the President of the Olmsted Teachers Association, a life member of the Elementary Principal's Association. He served on the Trustee Board, as Sunday School Superintendent and teacher at First Baptist Church (now Autumn Ridge).

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, his parents, and his daughter in law Patricia Werre. He is survived by his daughter Carletta Werre, son Jerald (Jo Lynn), daughter Claudia Finseth (Gerald), and son Bruce (Sherry), granddaughter Jill Wright (Greg), granddaughter Julianne Lunde (Todd Emanuel), grandson Aaron (Carrie), grandson Isaac (Hilary), great grandchildren Katelyn Lunde, Alex Wright, Evan Wright, Kyra Lunde, Lauren Werre, Carynn Werre, Kaitlyn (Anthony) DiJohn, Jenna Emanuel, Simon Emanuel, and great-great granddaughter Gianna DiJohn. He is also survived by his beloved siblings, Marie Derman, Shirley Joyner, and Leonard (Connie) Werre, along with many nieces and nephews.

Memorials are preferred to Seasons Hospice or the Mayo Clinic study for the Aging.

A funeral service will be held at 11am on Monday, August 19, 2024, at Autumn Ridge Church (3611 Salem Road SW, Rochester). Visitation will take place one hour before the service at Autumn Ridge.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Werre family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com