Gayl Marilyn Werner

Beloved mother, sister, aunt, and friend, Gayl Werner, of Eagan, MN, age 82, passed away on Wednesday, December 4th, 2024.

Gayl was the third child of seven born to Ernest and Elsie Werner on June 30, 1942. She grew up on the family farm in Wabasso, MN, and attended Wabasso Public School, where she was proud to be a cheerleader and majorette. Gayl had a flair for dancing, winning a competition with her partner at KSTP-TV in St. Paul, MN. She also loved roller skating, a passion she joyfully shared with her daughter.

After graduating from high school, Gayl moved to the Twin Cities to attend business school and later continued her education in Denver, Colorado. Her daughter, Lichele, was born in 1964. In 1969, Gayl and Lichele returned to Minnesota to be close to family, and in 1972, they settled in Eagan. Gayl began her long and fulfilling career as an Executive Administrative Assistant, from which she retired in 2013.

Gayl was a dedicated caregiver. In 2020 and 2021, she spent many hours with her youngest sister, who had a debilitating disease, providing support and companionship. She treasured her time spent with her daughter, her pets, her siblings, and their families, as well as her cherished friends. She had a green thumb and loved creating and caring for the beautiful flower planters around her home, and she found joy in feeding the neighborhood birds, squirrels, and bunnies. Her faith was an integral part of her life, and she was an active member of her church. Throughout her life, Gayl cultivated lasting friendships and left a legacy of love and kindness.

Preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Elsie Werner; brother, Ernie Werner; brother-in-law, Jim Nelson; sister, Bonnie Kersting; nephews, Ronnie Rucktaeschel and Brian Nelson.

Survived by her daughter, Lichele Werner; siblings, Diane (Leroy) Pahan, Roger (Joyce) Werner, Jeanine Nelson, and Renee (Roger) Eichten; brother-in-law, Steve Kersting; and nieces and nephews, Marlene, Darlys, Kevin, Jody, Wendy, Cindy, Gina, Brent, Nikki, Krista, Jessie, and Ashley; many great-nephews and nieces; and honorary grandkids, Addi and Sofi.

Gayl's life will be celebrated and remembered by all who knew her on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at the Lutheran Church of the Ascension, 1801 Cliff Road E, Burnsville, MN 55337. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 PM, with a luncheon to follow.

Memorials can be donated to Feed My Starving Children or Lutheran Church of the Ascension.