Deacon Richard E. ?Dick' Werling dies

Intermountain Catholic

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Deacon Richard E. 'Dick' Werling died at home Feb. 1 after a lingering illness.

BRIGHAM CITY — Deacon Richard E. "Dick" Werling, 76, died peacefully at home Feb. 1, 2008. He was born May 18, 1931, in Detroit, Mich., the son of Ralph Werling and Ruth Engel Werling. He married the love of his life, Patricia Lois Bailey, Aug. 13, 1955, in Detroit.

Deacon Werling graduated from the University of Detroit in 1954 in engineering. He worked for Chrysler Corporation before moving to Brigham City in 1961. He worked for Thiokol Corporation designing tools for rocket and missile motors until his retirement in 1992.

Deacon Werling’s life mirrored his greatest loves: God and family. He believed the most precious gift to give his children was to love their mother. He practiced this beautifully. His love of God manifested itself through service, beginning with the Knights of Columbus, then he entered the first-ever Deacon Program for the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City in 1974, and was ordained in 1976. Known affectionately as "Deacon Dick," he served for more than 31 years at St. Catherine of Siena Newman Center, Salt Lake City; St. Thomas Aquinas Parish and Newman Center, Logan; and St. Henry’s Parish, Brigham City. Deacon Werling and Pat served on numerous boards and enjoyed many teaching positions, including in the RCIA program, yet could still be found faithfully serving behind the scenes at Brigham City’s soup kitchen.

Besides his loving service, Deacon Werling is probably best known for his contagious sense of humor, his great belly laugh, and his generous spirit. Their home was a welcome refuge for friends from around the world: Africa, Japan, Iran, and Venezuela. They befriended people of every race and creed. Deacon Werling’s other pastimes included solving Sudoku, crossword puzzles, and the world’s political problems – often in the same day.

He loved computers, history, and learning. Nothing made him happier than to be in the presence of his beloved wife of 52 years, Pat Werling; his children Rick and Nongnuch (Annie) Werling, Palmdale, Calif., Dan and Cherrie Werling, Tremonton, Peggy and Darryl Barr, Vancouver, Wash., Bridget Cook, Mountain Green, and Chris and Vicki Werling, Brigham City; his brother Ralph, Baton Rouge, La.; 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, who were all very dear to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his older brother, Roger; and his twin brother, Bob.

A vigil service was held from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008, at St. Henry’s Catholic Church 380 South 200 East, Brigham City. The vigil was followed by a viewing until 9 p.m. Deacon Werling’s funeral Mass was held at 10 a.m. Feb. 5 at St. Henry’s. Interment took place after the funeral at Brigham City Cemetery.

His family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society, St. Henry’s Catholic Church, or the Nature Conservancy. You may e-mail condolences to his family at: www.gilliesfuneralchapel.com.