NEW ULM


Otto "Toot" Werner, 79, of New Ulm died Thursday, March 15, 2012 at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis from injuries sustained in a fall. Mass of Christian Burial will be 12-Noon Saturday, March 24, 2012 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in New Ulm with Monsignor Douglas Grams celebrating the Mass. Burial will be in the New Ulm City Cemetery - Soldier's Rest Section with full military honors being conducted by the New Ulm Area Comrades of Valor Honor Guard. Visitation will be 4 - 8 p.m. Friday and from 7:30 - 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home in New Ulm. There will be a parish prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. A celebration of Otto's life will be held by his family at 4:00 p.m. Saturday at Turner Hall.


Otto is survived by his wife, Rosemary Werner of New Ulm; Daughters and sons-in-law, Melanie and Gordy Overing of Maple Grove, Rita Werner and Ken Skorczewski of New Ulm, Heidi Vorwerk and fiancé, Brian Berle of Shakopee, Ursula and Glen Hillesheim of New Ulm, Anne and Matt Dempsey of Bloomington; sons and daughters-in-law, Anthony and Lori Werner of Bloomington, Timothy Werner of Los Angles, California; grandchildren, Lauryn and Lindsey Werner, Zane and Ryland Overing, Erick Werner, Anthony and Amber Hillesheim, Emma and Ethan Dempsey; sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Harold Gustafson of Port Charlotte, Florida; nieces; and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Anton and Sally Bartl; sister, Alfrieda Werner; and brothers, Robert Werner and Richard Werner.


Otto Ignatius Werner was born on May 15, 1932 in St. Paul to Ignatius and Josephine (Schwarz) Werner. In his youth he helped out in the family business at the American Ballroom. Upon graduating from Cretin Military Academy he served in the U.S. Army as a cook stationed in Germany. Returning state side he attended college earning a degree in Chemistry and later Masters Degrees in English, Russian, and his passion German. He met his wife of 52 years, Rosemary Bartl, in a German class at Mankato State University. They were united in marriage on September 6, 1958 in New Ulm and relocated to New Ulm where he had a lifelong career as a language teacher at New Ulm Public Schools. He remained as an active member of the military serving in the Army and Air Force Reserves until his retirement. He became very active in the New Ulm community, serving as part of the Civil Air Patrol service, on the board of directors of the Brown County Fair, and became best known as the accordion player and MC for the New Ulm Concord Singers and Heritagefest. He worked many years with Heritagefest as an interpreter and tour guide for the visiting bands from Germany and Austria. He spent many summers on the road teaching the groups about American culture while being able to live one of his great passions, music. Later he joined the Original German Band in which he remained an active member until his passing. In later years he spent much of his time providing sound for many community and school events along with his friend Bob Dahl. He also took great pride in being able to spend time with his nine grandchildren helping them with schoolwork and teaching them music. Otto was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in New Ulm, V.F.W. Post # 1648, and the American Legion Post # 132 in New Ulm.