Dear Paul passed away on Monday, April 27, after 9 years with multiple myeloma cancer.

Paul was born on October 26, 1943 in Watertown, WI to Elmer and Dorothy (Mueller) Werth. He grew up in Oconomowoc, where he attended St. Matthew’s grade school and Oconomowoc High School.

In 1961 he moved to Madison to attend the UW, graduating in January 1968, majoring in landscape architecture. After graduating he was immediately drafted into the Army, and later sent to Vietnam to build and run a base post office.

Early in 1967, through a friend, Paul met Donna Biba, marrying not long after his Army basic training. After returning home from Vietnam, Paul began his 30 year career as a landscape architect with the WI DOT highway maintenance dept. He was a part of the wayside, rest area and highway beautification project.

As a big Badger fan, Paul attended many basketball and football games and didn’t miss a Brewer or Packer game on TV. He loved the outdoors, fishing many Wisconsin and Canada lakes, hunting, and walking, whether it was on trails or in the Virginia Terrace neighborhood. He especially enjoyed family vacations “up north” and trips to Colorado.

Paul’s faith was an important part of his life. He was a dedicated and long-time member of St. Andrew Church in Middleton.

Paul is survived by his wife Donna and their 2 beloved children, Mike (Angie) and Sarah (Luke) Socks. He leaves 2 dear granddaughters, Lauren (Bret) Paulson, and Olivia Werth (Alex Riemer). Also, his 4 siblings, David (Mary), Mark (Leila), Gloria (Dave) Pagel, and Madeleine (Scott) Palmer, as well as many nieces and nephews. Additionally, his sister-in-law Barb (Rich) Hurley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, an infant sister Faith, nephew Ryan Palmer, niece Aimee Biba, and brothers-in-law Dale and Ken Biba, and Alan Hale.

Paul’s memorial service will be held at Cress Funeral Home (3610 Speedway Blvd) in Madison on Saturday, May 30th. Visitation will be held from 9:30-11:00, service at 11:00 following.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to PBS WI, and the UW Health Carbone Cancer Center.

The family would also like to thank the Carbone Oncology team for Paul’s 9 years of care. 

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Rd Madison

608-238-3434