Alan Jerome Werle – Rochester

Al Werle, 96 of Rochester, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, August 6th, 2026.

Al was born January 11th, 1930 in Mason City, IA to Rollin and Elizabeth (Wilde) Werle. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1947 and then attended the University of Iowa where he earned a Mechanical Engineering degree. Al joined the U.S. Army in 1951 and served his country for two years. After completing his military service, Al went to work for IBM in Rochester.

Al married Elizabeth J. Shramek on February 15th, 1958 at Saint Catherine Catholic Church in Binghamton, NY. The couple moved to Rochester, MN in 1958 and resided in Rochester for over 65 years.

Al loved playing tennis and cross-country skiing with Betty, winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and family vacations in Northern Minnesota.

Al worked for IBM as a Project Manager for 34 years before retiring in 1990. He also volunteered for a variety of organizations including St. Pius X Catholic Church and the Mayo Clinic.

He is survived by his five sons, Mike (Deb) of Winona, MN, Jerry (Donna) of Pine City, MN, Tom (Anita) of Rochester, MN, Chris (Jen) of Minneapolis, MN, and Steve (Colleen) of Minneapolis, MN; eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his loving wife Betty, his parents, sister Gayle Ballantyne, and a great-granddaughter.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 29th, 2026, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester with Fr. Joachim Anumba officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Thank you to Reflections Memory Care and St. Croix Hospice for their kindness and the wonderful care they provided for Al during his illness.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to St. Croix Hospice in Rochester, MN or the Alzheimer’s Association.