Richard Arlie Werle Jr.

Richard Arlie Werle Jr. passed away Tuesday July 19, 2022, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Michigan.

Dick was born to the late Richard and Elizabeth Werle on August 11, 1943, in Manistee Michigan. He Graduated from Onekama High School in 1961 and enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17. He served on the USS Howard W Gilmore and was stationed in Charleston, SC where he worked on the submarine tender and was active during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After an honorable discharge, Dick moved to Alpena and attended Alpena Community College where he graduated from the Automotive Mechanic Program.

Dick finished his working career for Budweiser & Great North Foods as the Fleet Maintenance Manager retiring in 2005 even though he never stopped working. The family owned and operated a Centennial Farm in Bear Lake, Michigan where Dick and his brother Ted continued the family tradition of growing fruit where he was not a stranger of sharing the love of their harvests.

Dick was an original member of the Slo Pokes Car Club and a past member of Rambling Rods Car Club where he was so proud of his 56’ Chevy, past member of The Alpena Hockey Association and a member of the International Tractor Association where he enjoyed traveling the country attending tractor shows.

A man of many words… with the biggest heart. Dick never met a stranger! He loved NASCAR, Tractors, Camping, tracking the freighters and a spontaneous truck ride to anywhere. But nothing brought him more joy than coaching his boys in hockey or watching his grandchildren participate in their many sporting events and activities.

Dick is survived by his wife of 32 years, Barb; two Sons Chris (Jamie Copping) and Adam Werle both of Alpena, daughter Vanessa Werle and bonus daughters Laura (Tony) Thompson of Alpena, Angie (Dustin) Crittenden of Wake Forest, NC and Ellen (Greg) Walker of Alpena. His nine grandchildren, Jhett & Taeghan Werle, Matthew & Anthony Thompson, Alexis & Davis Crittenden, Mazie & Ethan Walker and Tucker Copping.  He is also survived by two brothers Ted Werle of Bear Lake Michigan and Kevin Werle of Arizona.

A private service will be held in the fall at the family orchard in Bear Lake. Arrangements have been made by the Bannan Funeral Home.

Memorials may be sent to Friends Together