Ralph "Rudy" L Werninger

He was born in Keene, June 14, 1932 to Emmy (Grube) and Ludwig Werninger.

Rudy attended school in Keene, graduating from Keene High School in 1950. He attended Keene Teachers College graduating in 1954 with a Bachelor of Education degree. He taught at Alvirne High School in Hudson, NH and Norwalk High School in Connecticut.

In February 1955 Rudy married the love of his life, Marcia Wheeler. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in 2016.

After returning to Keene, Rudy went to work for National Grange Mutual Ins. Co, retiring after 40 years. He was a member of the Society of State Filers, a professional organization based in the insurance industry.

Rudy proudly served in the National Guard for 10 years. He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Keene Lodge 927 and the Jerusalem Lodge 104 Free and Accepted Masons.

Along with gardening, oil painting, skiing and sailing, Rudy was a lifelong singer. He was a founding member of the Greater Keene Pops Choir, a 60-year member of the choir at the UCC in Keene and the Yankee Male Chorus.

In addition to his wife, Rudy is survived by four daughters. Janet Werninger of Keene, Linda Sterling and her husband Jim of Keene, Sarah Houle of Concord, NH, and Amy Werninger and her partner Mike Clarke of Atkinson, NH. Seven grandchildren; Benjamin Gagnon and his fiancee Stephanie Kohler of Keene, Daniel Gagnon of Nelson NH, Kaeleigh Gagnon of Pittsburgh PA, Ian Dumais of Keene, Eliza Dumais of Boston MA, Nicole Houle and her fiance Sean Madelle of Maynard MA and Megan Houle of Pembroke NH. His sister Elaine Mann and her husband Cal of Worcester MA, three nieces, many cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 1:00 pm, at the United Church of Christ in Keene, 23 Central Square.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Music Ministry, United Church of Christ, 23 Central Square, Keene, NH 03431 (www.UCCKeene.org) or The Greater Keene Pops Choir, P.O. Box 1244, Keene, NH 03431.