Robert Werner, of Willmar, formerly of rural Dawson, died on Thursday afternoon, February 25, 2010, at the Rice Care Center in Willmar, at the age of 91. Funeral service was at 11:00 AM, Monday, March 1, at the Providence Valley Lutheran Church in rural Dawson. Robert Donald Werner was born August 13, 1918, at home on the farm near Strandburg, SD the son of August and Amy (Olson) Werner. Robert was baptized and confirmed at Tabor Lutheran Church and graduated from Strandburg High School in 1936. On May 24, 1943, Robert was united in marriage with Lucille Cline of Walnut Grove and they continued to farm with his father in SD. Robert and Lucille purchased their farm south of Dawson in Providence Township, moving there in January of 1949. They quickly became friends with all the Providence community and were active in Providence Valley Lutheran Church. Robert served on the Church Board, as Church Treasurer, and on other committees. He proudly told us how he provided milk for the annual oyster supper at church and that he farmed the church land. Robert was also involved in activities with District 38 country school where both Jeanie and Dick attended and was Santa Claus at the Christmas programs. He was active with the Minnesota Farmers Union and 4-H. After retiring from dairy farming he enjoyed woodworking, staying busy outside and in the house and caring for Lucille. Robert was a friend to everyone he met, always ready to help wherever he could and concerned for others. Robert and Lucille worked hard, 7 days a week and long days - but always made time for others. They especially enjoyed family, their children and grandchildren. Robert talked often about how exciting it was when the grandkids came to stay on the farm. In the course of his busy days, he took opportunities to teach them about the farm, animals, and life values. Robert and Lucille made countless trips to grandchildren's ballgames, concerts, tennis meets, proms, Eagle Scout ceremonies, baptisms, confirmations, graduations, weddings... Robert loved his grandkids and loved their spouses, and has been able to spend time loving and playing with great-grandchildren. Robert spent winters in Willmar house-sitting after Lucille died, and in 2004 moved in with Jeanie and Manny and became very involved with activities at Bethel Lutheran, Willmar Sr. Center, Let's Go Fishing program and other events. As his memory started to get shorter, he accepted that life changes also, with comments such as "My memory is so short I can step on it" or when reading the newspaper for the 2nd or 3rd time in a day he would say, "It's okay, it's always NEW news to me". Robert often brightened the days of people in the nursing home with his smile, and with his dog, Teddi, on his lap he would have us wheel him over to other folk's wheelchairs so they could pet Teddi also. Robert was happiest when he was with family and friends. His 'Center' has always been the Church. Robert is survived by his two children: Jeanie (Manny) Ronneberg of Willmar and Richard Werner of Montevideo; six grandchildren: Jeffrey (Jill) Ronneberg, Kevin (Amy) Ronneberg, Timothy (Melanie) Ronneberg, Kristin (Craig) Pladson, Jason Werner and Ryan (Amanda) Werner; six great-grandchildren: Sammy, Sydney, Madelyn, Charlie, Vyolette, and Isabelle; one sister, Betty McNeill of High Point, NC; other family and many friends. Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Lucille in 1997; and an infant sister, Marie Louise Werner.