Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Chris Werner, who lost his two-year battle with esophageal cancer on December 8, 2016. He was 40 years old.
Prior to joining Lakeland University’s faculty in 2013 as assistant professor of music and band director, Werner served as instrumental music teacher and music department chair at La Crosse (Wis.) Central High School. He was conductor of the Central Wind Ensemble, pep band, Grand Central Station Show Band and instructor of music theory.
Werner received his Doctor of Musical Arts in wind conducting from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 2005 where he was also a graduate assistant with UNL Bands. He has the distinction of being the first University of Nebraska DMA recipient of the Wind Conducting degree and also the first Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts F. Pace Woods Scholar in Music. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and master of music degree in wind conducting from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Werner often returned to UNL to be a clinician at the UNL Middle School Band Camp. His last visited in July 2016.
A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford with Father Phil Juza officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 AM until the time of services at 11 AM. Cremainal interment will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery, Medford. More information is available here.
