Jack Werts

Madison- Jack Harold Werts 98, of Madison Wi., passed away peacefully into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday morning August 15,th after a short illness at the Meriter Hospital.

Jack was born April 23, 1917 to Roy and Hazel Werts of Milford Iowa. He was a graduate of Hartley High School (Iowa), and later earned his master's degree in pharmacy from South Dakota State and Purdue University. Jack served our country during World War II as a Navy pilot flying wounded in the Philippines, after which he traveled the mid-west as a pharmaceutical salesman for Abbott Laboratories. Jack later purchased his own store on Monroe Street, in Madison, called "Werts Pharmacy," which he owned until his retirement.

As a youth Jack played the flute and piccolo both in school and the military. He grew up enjoying the Lake Okoboji area of Iowa, enjoying swimming, fishing, and caddying for the local golfers. Jack was an exceptional golfer himself, and loved golfing well into his late 80's. After retirement Jack enjoyed traveling together with his wife Dorothy, and he became quite talented in the art of stained glass in his spare time. Jack was a supporter of the Madison Zoo, spending quality time there with his grandchildren on day trips. He also enjoyed much of his later years relaxing at home drinking his coffee, with his cat called "kitty." It was very important for Jack to remain at home during his final years.

He will best be remembered for his big smile, his heart for the family, his generosity, and his willingness to help out. His life greatly influenced and impacted not only his children but also the direction and careers of his grandchildren. We will all miss his loving hugs, his strong handshake, and his example of love and character.

He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy Mae (Condon) Werts, after 56 years of marriage in 2004, and his brother Howard Werts.

He is survived by his brother Daryl Werts, and his three Children, John (Judy) Smart , Rick (Nancee) Werts , and Diane (Rick) Sella; Grandchildren, Andy (Stacy) Werts, Joe (Natalie) Werts, Adam Werts, Carolyn (Josh) Johnson, Daniel Sella, Elizabeth (Justin) Groll, Aimie (Jared) Heinz, Amy (Carter Oosterhouse) Smart, and Adam (Jennifer) Smart; Great Grandchildren, Conell Werts, Kevin Werts, Ian Werts, Jackson Werts, Presly Werts, Madyson Groll, KyLeigh Groll, Emma Groll, Molly Groll, Violet Smart, and Tula Smart.

A funeral service will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison on Sunday, Aug. 23 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Rick Sella presiding. A visitation will be held on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Entombment will follow the service at Resurrection Cemetery with military honors.


Cress Funeral Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
(608) 238-3434