William "Bill" Henry Werst Jr.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Bill attended St. Xavier High School and graduated with honors from the University of Louisville's Speed School of Engineering. It was during his high school years that he met Judy McCrory, beginning a love story that would define his life.

Bill and Judy shared more than 62 years of marriage, friendship, and partnership, serving as a model of what true love looks like. Their home was always a place to gather, share laughter, a meal, a drink, or a great conversation. Together, they made everyone feel welcome.

Throughout his career, Bill lived in Hong Kong, Texas, Ohio, and Michigan. After retiring from Dow, he served as CEO of Inter-Associates in the Washington, D.C. area before returning home to Southern Indiana, the "sunny side of Louisville."

While Bill enjoyed a successful career spanning more than 30 years with Dow Chemical, he treasured the friendships he made even more. He and Judy shared a love of travel and adventure, often venturing off the beaten path to meet new people, experience different cultures, and create lasting memories together.

Bill had a mind for trivia. He enjoyed reading, country music, theater, movies, horse racing, and a good round of golf as a way to spend time with family and friends and invent new curse words given his mastery of the game. He also loved cycling and even rode in RAGBRAI, a multi-day ride across Iowa. While in DC, he purchased a triple tandem bike and hooked a carrier to the back so he and 3 grandkids could have adventures. As the 4 would pedal away, you would hear him shout, “You have to pedal too,” then promise ice cream for all at the end of the ride. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially reading them the rhyming tongue twisters in Dr. Seuss books.

Throughout his life, Bill shared his time and talents. He volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters in Midland, Michigan, was a guest speaker at the University of Louisville, participated as a Reading Buddy with Community Catholic Center, and served as a lecturer and volunteer at Good Shepherd Catholic Church.

Bill is preceded in death by his mother and father, Kathryn and William Werst; his sister, Ruth Ann Hayden and her husband, Bill; his sister, Martha and her husband, Bernie O’Brien; his brother-in-law, Bill Fritsch; his brother-in-law, Dr. Russell May and Judy’s brother, Frank McCrory. He is survived by his beloved wife, Judy; his son, William Werst III (Julie) of Boise Idaho; their children Dr Katarina Werst; William Werst and Michael Werst; his daughter, Stasia Lenhart and Steven Schravesande of Green Bay Wisconsin and New Albany Indiana; her children Victoria (Rob) Lillquist and their children Leena and Barrett; Elisabeth (Jason) Kashyap and their daughter, Meena; Gregory Lenhart and his future wife Coletta Neumann; and his two sisters MaryLynn Fritsch, and Kay May, brother-in-law Denny (Dodie) McCrory, Sister-in-law Patsy (Buz) Unclebach, Brother-in-law Walter (Cindy) McCrory, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

In the wise words of his 5-year-old great-granddaughter, “when you get old enough, you get to die.” Bill now gets to go on his next adventure. "You'll be on your way up! You'll be seeing great sights! You'll join the high fliers who soar to high heights." Dr Seuss. He will be missed by so many, but Bill’s legacy will continue in this world as he embarks into the next.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 19, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Kraft Funeral Service, 708 E. Spring Street, New Albany, Indiana.

A second visitation will be held on Saturday, June 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Assumption, 433 South Fifth Street, Louisville, Kentucky. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow.

Following the Mass, family and friends are invited to gather for a bereavement luncheon at Lehmann Hall, Good Shepherd Catholic Parish, 3511 Rudd Avenue, Louisville, Kentucky.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Good Shepherd Catholic Church, or First Tee of Idaho.