Alan "Al" Werner

Alan “Al” Werner entered the world on December 23, 1947 and departed this earthbound world on February 16, 2026 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by loved ones and his devoted cat, Willie.

Al will continue to be loved and remembered by his long time partner Joanie, his children, Wendy (Ron), Jake (Christina), Alan (Kerry), Brooke (Josh), step children Sara (Sean) and Benjamin (Amber); step-sisters, Jane, Julie (Dana) and step-brother, Dan (Stephanie). He leaves behind a legacy of 10 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, along with nieces and nephews, numerous cousins, his restaurant family, antique shop friends and biker family. He was loved by many from both his beloved country and Canada.

He was preceded in death by his parents Earl Werner and wife Mildred (Bush), sister, Mary Earney and brother in law Tim, sister, Judy Werner in infancy,; a granddaughter, Samantha and step-parents Dale and Mary Belle Brueggemann.

Al exemplified what it means to be a true American. He proudly served our country in Vietnam in the U.S. Army Battery C, 8th Battalion, 4th Artillery. He loved this country and flew the American Flag every day as a reminder to never take our homeland for granted. He was a lifetime member of the VFW. After his service to our country, Al worked as a carpenter, learning many skills and perfecting his “art of perfection.” He later worked for Shell Oil Company for many years as a boilermaker with Local Union 483, where he formed many cherished friendships that remain to this day. He was proud of the work he did and took pride in every job he meticulously completed. He was known for his famous motto: “If you’re gonna bother to do something, do it right the first time.” Al loved the freedom of riding his beloved Harley, letting his long pony tail blow in the wind. He was a member of ABATE of Illinois, Piasa-Gateway Chapter and past member of Alton HOG Chapter. He loved digging in the dirt and planting flowers. The yard and garden he shared with Joanie will continue to thrive as a reminder of the amazing gardener he was! He not only had a prolific green thumb, but he also had a true talent for crafting incredible creations. He never found a brick that he couldn’t make into a flower bed or fire pit. Al was a legendary cat lover - not only of his own cats, but also for those who wandered into the yard in need of warmth and a good meal. They all got names and shelter for as long as they needed it. It wasn’t just cats who benefited from Al’s generosity. He began feeding the squirrels, who also got names. He loved the birds who gathered around the feeders. His camera is filled with photos of birds, cats and squirrels. Al never saw an oil lamp he didn’t love. He had a knack of cleaning them up and making them look like a “new kind of old.” He built a vast collection of oil lamps and lanterns and developed close friendships with folks in antique/junk shops. He and Joanie loved every minute of their junking adventures - walking the aisles and talking about all things collectible. He had an excellent eye for the small special trinkets that others often overlooked. Al loved fishing with his children, visiting his former cabin on the Gasconade River, taking trips to Missouri to drive the back roads and visiting family and old friends. He was a great cook and made the best grape jelly. He was lovingly known as the “Best Jam Grandpa.” Al ate daily breakfast with his friends at his favorite restaurants, 6th Street Diner and Pollys. He became friends with the waitresses and staff. To him they were family and he loved them dearly. Al had the ability to talk to anyone (or himself). He had a dry wit and great sense of humor and could easily laugh at himself. Everyone who knew him has a boatload of funny stories that will live on and keep us laughing. He had strong opinions and stood firmly to his beliefs. He was a man of his word. When he said yes, he meant yes - and when he said no, he meant “Hell No!” He had a tough exterior but an incredibly soft heart. Al will always be remembered by his long hair pulled back in a pony hair, his cowboy or Harley boots and his Levi 50l buttonfly and 505 jeans, which never had a wrinkle. He was meticulous when it came to the laundry, always listening for the dryer buzzer to go off so he could bolt down the stairs to hang clothes before a wrinkle could set in. An iron was never needed. It stands to reason that his other motto was: “Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.” Fly high and ride fast dear Al. You were a true original. Your stories, lessons and “Al-isms” will never be forgotten.

Memorial Visitation will be held from 5 pm until time of service at 7 pm, Thursday, March 19, 2026 at the First Baptist Church, 300 East Lorena Ave., Wood River, IL 

Graveside Burial Service will be Friday, March 20, 2026 at 11:00 am in Sunset Hills Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon, IL (off  IL-157). Meet at main building for procession to site.

Following the burial a gathering will take place at VFW Post 1308, 4445 Alby St., Alton until 3 pm.

Suggested Memorials: Alton VFW Post 1308 and 5A’s Animal Shelter in Alton.

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