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Werner Robert Ryser
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BLANCHARDVILLE - Werner Robert Ryser, age 85 of Blanchardville died on Wednesday evening, June 14, 2017 at the VA Hospital in Madison. He was born March 15, 1932, son of Albert and Nellie (Mueller) Ryser at the York Center Cheese Factory where his parents made cheese. He attended Cleary-Hanson schools near Blanchardville. On May 17, 1952 he married Agnes Mae Cleary at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Blanchardville. They recently celebrated 65 years of marriage. He entered the U.S. Army on January 7, 1952, served 14 months in Korea as a medic in the 160th Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division. He was honorably discharged December 21, 1953. Werner received the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Ribbon with 3 Bronze Service Medals and Combat Infantry Badge. Following his service in the Army, he farmed with his wife Agnes until 1991 when they moved to Blanchardville. Werner served many years on the Blanchard Township Board as assessor and clerk and also on the Co-op Feed Board. He was a member of Dobson-Johnson American Legion Post since 1959. Werner was very mechanically gifted and would fix anything for friends and neighbors. He was respectful of other people and respected by everyone. Werner loved playing cards, and enjoyed his retirement days in town. He especially loved John Deere tractors and equipment. In 2010 Werner and Agnes received the Knights of Columbus Service Award. On Memorial Day of 2017 he received the patriotic Quilt of Valor from the Blanchardville Woman's Club.

Werner is survived by his wife Agnes of Blanchardville; five children, Randall Ryser of Folsom CA, Steven (Heidi) Ryser of Blanchardville, Mark Ryser of Brodhead, Gerald "Jake" Ryser of Blanchardville, and Mary (Brad) Leverton of Blue Mounds: Seven grandchildren, Kayla (Ben Fargo) Leverton, Kathryn (Dylan Johnson), Miranda, Alex, Hannah, Gabrielle and Addison Ryser; three step-grandchildren Anthony Froggatt, Zachary Kahn, and Bernadette Rotello. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Fred Ryser and sister Margaret Ryser and a daughter-in-law Connie Ryser.

A visitation for Werner Ryser will be held on Monday, June 19th from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at Blanchard Hall on Main Street in Blanchardville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 20th at 11:00 AM at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Blanchardville. Fr. Thomas Gillespie will officiate. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Blanchardville with veteran's honors by the Dobson-Johnson American Legion Post from Blanchardville. The Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville is assisting the family. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saetherfuneralhome.com.