Ewald Emil Werschke

March 6, 1920 - April 28, 2009

PALISADE -- Ewald Emil Werschke, formerly of Palisade, died Tuesday, April 28, 2009, at Good Samaritan Center in Syracuse. He was 89 years old.

He was born March 6, 1920, in Enders to Theodore L. and Matilda (Schultz) Werschke. Ewald entered the U.S. Army on July 16, 1941. He served during World War II, receiving the American Defense Service Medal, American Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal before his honorable discharge on November 21, 1945.

On Dec. 5, 1945, he married Elsie M. Schamel in Oberlin. To this union three children were born. They located the family to the Palisade community in 1952, where Ewald worked for local farmers and ranchers. He later became the manager of Hopkins Elevator's and worked there until his retirement. In 2003, he moved to Syracuse to be closer to family.

He was a member of the Palisade United Methodist Church, Palisade American Legion and Veteran's of Foreign Wars. He loved reading, tinkering in his shop, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Matilda Werschke; his wife, Elsie Werschke on June 23, 1996; three brothers and four sisters.

He is survived by his son, Gary Werschke and wife, Annette, of Lincoln; two daughters, Linda Neiman and husband, Larry of Fairmont and Dianne Bechtold of Syracuse; six grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren with one more coming in July.

Memorials may be given in his name to the Palisade Veteran's Memorial or Palisade Rescue Squad.

Funeral services will be Thursday, April 30, 2009, 2 p.m. at the Palisade United Methodist Church with the Rev. Judy Dye officiating. Burial will be in the Palisade Cemetery.

Visitation will be today until 8 p.m. and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. Friends may sign his book at the funeral home or send condolences online at www.carpenterbreland.com.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.