Andrew Werlinger Jr., 53

Funeral services were held for Andrew Earl Werlinger Jr. on February 27, 2010 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hague, North Dakota and officiated by the Rev. Paul Eberle. Interment was at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Hague.

Andy was born April 25, 1956 in Linton, ND, to Andrew and Helen (Feist) Werlinger. He attended school in Hague and graduated from Hague High School in 1974. Andy then custom harvested and attended auctioneering school. He drove school bus for Hague School District. He also farmed northeast of Hague until his death.

While farming, he had a custom crop spraying business. Andy also worked for UPS, Cross Country Courier, as a school custodian, and feeding elk for a local veterinarian during the winter months in Alexandria. Andy’s greatest love was that of farming and small towns.

Andy married Kimberly Buchholz on November 13, 1991. They divided their time living in Hague and in Alexandria.

Andy was a member of Knights of Columbus, Strasburg Lions Club, Hague Store Board and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hague. He was instrumental in the reopening of the Zeeland Café. He enjoyed meeting people and had many friends. This was evidenced by the more than 10,000 hits on his Caring Bridge website. Andy never met a stranger, just friends that were his to make. Andy especially loved children, and teasing them.

Andy died of complications due to heart failure on Sunday, February 21, 2010 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, with family at his bedside.

He is survived by five brothers and three sisters-in-law, Marvin and Rosie Werlinger of Circle Pines, Duane and Sandy Werlinger of Linton, ND, Kenneth Werlinger and Mary Hoots of Zeeland, ND, Walter Werlinger of Grafton, ND, and Roger and Audrey Werlinger of Ham Lake; four sisters and two brothers-in-law, Kathy and John Meier of Zeeland, ND, Doris Barry and Charlie Maue of Rogers, Carol and Robert Aberle of Gillette, WY, and Eileen Werlinger and Bob Ackerman of Bismarck, ND; his ex-wife, Kimberly Buchholz-Werlinger of Alexandria, who remained a close and loving friend to Andy and his family.

His love of children was evident in his pride and love for all his nieces and nephews, Lenora, Jackie, Michael, Lisa, Jason, Adam, Janell, Kevin, Keith, Michelle, Darin, Mike, Nick and Kaylee.

Andy was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Elmer; and sister, Laura.

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