Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Richard Willis "Rich" Werner
Richard Willis "Rich" Werner
Obituary
Guest Book
Richard Werner Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
A highly decorated combat veteran, Rich retired in 1995 as a Master Sergeant from the United States Army after serving 21 years. His tours included Ft. Polk, Hawaii, Ft. Campbell, Germany, Ft. Riley, Korea, Desert Shield/Storm and ROTC at WMU. Duties consisted of Cavalry Scout, Instructor, Drill Sergeant and numerous positions in the Infantry. He was a brother of the 101st Airborne Division Association and The National Rakkasan Association.
He served the City of Battle Creek Transit for 23 years, retiring as the Transit Manager in 2019. Rich was a member of the Fraternity of Masons, the Fraternal Order of Elks, and The Indiana Bassmasters.
Rich is survived by his wife, Kara Werner; daughters, Kelsey Werner and Cora England (Jeremy); granddaughter, Ambria England; siblings, Deborah Scurrah (John), James Werner, Cheryl Welcome (Rick), Sharlynn O'Shea (Tim), and Lisa Stalla (Carl); many beloved nieces and nephews; father and mother-in-law, Victor and Shirene Poronczuk; brother and sister-in-law, Victor and Judy Poronczuk. In addition to his parents, Rich was preceded in death by his nephew, Tommy Nowak.
In addition to his avid love for the Chicago Cubs, Rich enjoyed bass fishing with his Army brother, Dave; bowling with his friend Chris; and 15 seasons camping at Yogi Bear with his family and friends.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, from 4:00pm - 8:00pm at the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 11:00am at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church.
Interment will take place September 11, 2024 at 1:00pm at Fort Custer National Cemetery.
A luncheon will take place immediately following interment at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Wounded Warrior Project or Humane Society of South Central Michigan.
Arrangements entrusted to the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service. 269-788-9800. www.baxterfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Chris Walters
October 8, 2024
Msgt. Werner was one of my instructors at WMU ROTC in 92-94. I was a young college kid trying to figure out life, Msgt. Werner was a great presence in my life and so many others. Every conversation I had with him, I came away having learned something new. Be it something about his career, the army in general, or life. He was a professional soldier and he loved to teach us cadets. It was an honor to have learned from him. When he wanted us to come see him, and do it in a hurry, he would tell us to come quickly, in German, "Mach schnell, Mach schnell, bali, bali!" I often find myself, some 30 years later repeating his same phrase. I fondly recall him telling us about his days in Germany, or in the swamps of Ft. Polk (he knew a friend of mine who had been stationed at Ft. Polk). My condolences to his family and those closest to him.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Jack Joyner
October 3, 2024
I served with Rich in the 101st Airborne Division from 1990 to 1991 and in the Gulf War as well. He was tough when it was necessary but always liked him and I even humored him on a few occasions. We had some good times and had fun. I hate he has left us, he was a great man. One of the very few I've had the pleasure to say that to in my 58 years. It has been 33 years since seeing him last. I say again, we had some fun times
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
375 W Dickman Rd, Battle Creek, MI 49037
Make a Donation
in Richard Werner's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
People and places connected with Richard
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Werner's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
