Edward Werle, 81, Upham, died Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009, in his home.

Edward was born Nov. 6, 1928, a son of Irving and Clara (Ehlers) Werle, near Upham, in McHenry County. He was educated through the eighth grade at Layton County School. Edward farmed and ranched in the Upham area.

On Sept. 11, 1964, he was united in marriage to Dora Drader Whiteford in Towner. They made their home on the farm, where they raised their family. Edward reported the weather to the National Weather Service and recently received an award for 30 years of service. He also worked at the Towner Nursery for 20 years and drove school bus for Upham School for 16 years.

Edward was a member of New Hope Lutheran Church, Upham. He enjoyed fishing, working with his cattle and woodworking.

Those who shared in his life: Wife of 45 years, Dora, Upham; sons, Curtis Werle, Granville, Rueben Drader, Valley City; daughter, Peggy Byrd, of Drake; daughter-in-law, Nancy Werle, Granville; seven grandchildren and their families, Robert Keyes, Jennifer (Derek) Wangler and their children Dalton, Brittany, Bladen and Kaitlyn, Michelle (Kyle Holen) Werle and their children Loren, Larry, Samara, Nathaniel, Lorie (Sloane) Jaeger and their daughter Aiyanna, Justin Werle, Darwin (Melissa Beesley) Werle, and their children Raven and Gabe, Jason Werle; brother, Bill (Mary )Werle, Velva; sister, Agnes Kennedy, Salt Lake City; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents; son, Larry; brothers, Harold, Irving (Clara) and Charles; and a sister, Evelyn.

Visitation and prayer service: Visitation today, Dec. 11, 2009, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. in the chapel.

Funeral service: Saturday, Dec. 12, at 11 a.m. in New Hope Lutheran Church, Upham.

Graveside service: Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at the Bantry Union Cemetery, Bantry.

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).