Ralph Edward Werner

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Ralph Edward Werner, age 75.

Ralph was born on April 22, 1950, in Quincy, Illinois, to Dorothy and Fred Werner. He was the oldest of five children, with two brothers and two sisters. Ralph graduated from Manitou Springs High School in Manitou Springs, Colorado, in 1968. Following high school, he began a long and dedicated career in structural steel, working as a superintendent. He spent most of his working life in Colorado, Nevada, and Wyoming.

In the early 1970s, Ralph married Linda Rankin, and together they welcomed one daughter, Taunya. They later divorced. In 1975, he married Barbara, and they had two daughters, Elizabeth and Jennifer. Barbara passed away in January 1989 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. In July 1994, Ralph married the love of his life and wife of 31 years, Denna Robertson Lester, at which time he proudly welcomed her daughter, Holly, into his life as his own.

After retiring from the gold mines in Nevada, Ralph made his home in Evanston, where he resided for the remainder of his life.

Ralph’s grandchildren were truly the loves of his life. He cherished every moment spent with them, teaching them new trades and skills, and always making each one feel special and deeply loved. He enjoyed riding his four-wheelers and side-by-side, but most of all he loved tinkering in his garage—working on small engines and woodworking projects. He also treasured the time spent at his property in Beaver Dam, Arizona, where he created his own special oasis away from home.

Ralph is survived by his devoted wife, Denna; his daughters, Taunya (Adam) Van Soest, Elizabeth Werner, Jennifer (Walt) McGaw, and Holly Kolschefsky (Kris Joyner); his ten beloved grandchildren, Ashley, Britney, Greg, Austen, Lilly, Landon, Tyson, Shealyn, Rigyn, and Hayzlee; one brother, Greg (Lisa) Werner; and two sisters, Peggy Werner and Nancy Werner.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Dorothy Werner; his brother, Jim Werner; his grandparents; and his wife, Barbara.

Ralph was deeply loved and will be truly missed by all who knew him. He showed kindness and love to everyone around him and remained strong until the very end. After being recently diagnosed with lung cancer, he was determined to fight with all he had. Though his body grew weak, his mind and will to live never did. Through life’s hardest moments, Ralph always reminded his family to “Cowboy Up”—words that will forever echo in their hearts.

Funeral services will be held on March 4, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Crandall Funeral Home. A viewing will take place on March 3, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and again on March 4, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., also at Crandall Funeral Home. Graveside services will follow at the Evanston Cemetery.