Werner Alfredson Jr. passed away peacefully on August 23, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.

Werner was born on July 16, 1937, in Menominee, Michigan, to Werner Alfredson Sr. and Hannah Martina Rasmussen Alfredson. He was raised in Menominee alongside his beloved older sister, Helen June.

He often spoke fondly of the idyllic and somewhat insulated childhood he enjoyed there. His father co-owned and operated Alfredson Brothers, a construction company in Menominee. From an early age, Werner was immersed in the building trade. He learned the processes, techniques, and craftsmanship of construction firsthand and even had the unique experience of living in many of the homes his family’s business built. That early exposure became an important foundation for his own career and lifelong appreciation for building and creating.

His childhood memories were filled with simple pleasures and cherished family traditions. Werner loved teasing his sister, Helen June, with his silly pranks. He looked forward to large Christmas celebrations with extended family who lived nearby and delighted in the annual Barnum & Bailey Circus when it came to town each summer. Friday nights often meant a trip to Dick’s Soda Fountain for ice cream, with black raspberry being a particular favorite.

Werner graduated from Menominee High School in 1955 before leaving his hometown to attend Western Michigan University. During his college years, he worked as a draftsman for an architectural firm, where his knowledge of design and construction continued to grow. There, he worked on the design of steam turbines, gaining technical knowledge and experience that would serve him well in the years to come.

On April 1, 1959, Werner was drafted into military service and served in Verona, Italy during peacetime. He often entertained family and friends with stories from those years, including his adventures riding the rails as a courier entrusted with important documents. He also served as a cryptographer in a select branch of the military; this was a chapter of his life that he carried with satisfaction and pride.

In 1965, Werner returned to Menominee and joined Alfredson Brothers. It was soon after that he met and married his future bride, Judith Ellen Gage of Shorewood, Wisconsin. This marked the beginning of a nearly 60-year love story and a partnership that would become one of the great joys of Werner’s life.

Werner and Judy soon welcomed two sons and began building their life together in Menominee. Their journey eventually brought them to Wausau, Wisconsin, where Werner established his own business, Alfredson Business Systems. Two daughters later joined the family, completing the family of four children whom Werner adored.

Being self-employed gave Werner the freedom he valued so much: the freedom to be present for his children. He embraced every opportunity to be involved in their lives and school activities. He rarely missed a gymnastics meet or tennis match, always making it a priority to show up and cheer them on.

In 1985, Werner and Judy embarked on another chapter together when they founded Alfredson Painting. They made an exceptional team, working side by side every day. Their marriage was a beautiful testament to companionship and affection. Their outward love for one another, their frequent words of affirmation, and the genuine delight they took in each other’s company remained evident throughout their years together. They were a darling couple, and their love was a joy for those around them to witness and emulate.

Werner will be remembered for his happy spirit, his wonderfully silly sense of humor, and his infectious, addictive laugh. He had a gift for making people smile with his jokes, repeated adages, and playful nature. He was a true handyman who seemed able to fix absolutely anything.

His family will cherish the many everyday traditions that made home feel like home: Saturday morning fried eggs and potatoes, his homemade spaghetti sauce made with his homegrown tomatoes, and cheering on the Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers alongside his sons. They will remember his love of jazz, especially the music of Louis Armstrong, his legendary bear hugs, and the countless small expressions of affection that made his presence so memorable.

Above all, Werner was a devoted husband and father who found his greatest joy in his family.

Werner was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judith Ellen; his parents, Werner Alfredson Sr. and Hannah Martina Rasmussen Alfredson; his sister, Helen June; and his dearly loved son-in-law, Steven Penlen Smith.

He leaves behind a family and community who will miss him greatly and who will carry his laughter, stories, traditions, and loving spirit with them for years to come.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.