Peter "Pete" T. Werner

Peter Thomas Werner, age 72, died March 28th in Marshall’s Oaklawn Hospital, following a brief illness.  Pete was born August 23, 1951, in Battle Creek Michigan, the son of Glenn L and Waltraud Werner.  He was a 1969 graduate of Lakeview High School where he was a member of the State Championship Swim Team.  He attended Kellogg Community College and Western Michigan University where he studied business and landscape design.  He was Vice-President of International Operations at CA Picard, a German- based Industry in Battle Creek’s Industrial Park.  He retired after 25 years of leadership in the company and became a small business owner/proprietor, establishing Premier Valet Services, LLC, a “pick-up and delivery” dry cleaning and laundry service.  He married Lois Zanotti Werner on August 22, 1970, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Battle Creek.  Together they lived a life of deepest love and faith, sharing in the glory of their only child, daughter Jaimee Meredith Werner Grimm and Jaimee’s family, husband David (DJ) and daughters Makenzee Ryan and Mylee Jay.  Pete was a parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church.  This church community encircled his and his family’s entire life.  In this faith community he served as Eucharistic Minister, as President of St. Philip Catholic Central School Board, as a member of the Battle Creek Area Catholic School Foundation Board and as member and office holder of the BCACS Dads’ Club.  For decades, he spearheaded, chaired, and co-chaired fundraising events for the 3 area Catholic Parishes and schools, including All Saints Superfest and BCACS Full House Drawdown Raffle.  He was inducted into St. Philip Catholic Central’s Hall of Fame for his dedication to the BCACS.  He was an avid coin collector and gardener.  His home was recognized as an area neighborhood “House Beautiful” and his gardens were selected for Leila Arboretum’s Annual Garden Tour.  His patient, gentle devotion to his family, friends, and faith define him.  Nothing on earth or in the heavens will ever out shine the flame of Poppie’s love for his Zee and Mymy.  He is survived by Lois, his wife of 53 years; daughter Jaimee (David/DJ) Grimm, granddaughters Makenzee Ryan Grimm and Mylee Jay Grimm; Sisters Terri (Gerhard) Loewe and Heidi (John) Chmiel; Brother in law Timothy Marske; nephews Anthony (Jodi) Barnes and his children Ashley (Diego) deLondona and Anthony (Abar) Barnes; Matthew Marske and his children Kyle (Kaylee) Marske and Megan Marske; Ben (Johanna) Dobbertien; Carsten Loewe; Jac Chmiel; sister in law Karen (Rich) Barnes, and nieces Sara Barnes; Jennifier (Scott) Wright and their daughter Alexandra; Michelle Loewe and Stephanie Chmiel.  Visitation will be at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home from 5-7, Thursday, April 4th, with a rosary at 7.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, April 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at St Joseph Catholic Church, Father Christopher Ankley officiating.   A rosary will be prayed by the students and staff of St. Joseph Elementary and Middle School outside the church entry prior to the 11 o’clock Mass.  All are welcome to pray with them.   Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.  A luncheon will be hosted at Miller’s Time Out following the interment.  In Pete’s honor, contributions may be made to the Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools or to St. Joseph Catholic Church. www.henryfuneralhome.org