Neil Loren Wernberg

About Neil

Neil Wernberg, age 71, passed away of natural causes on Thursday, July 20, 2023 at his home in rural Blackduck, MN.

Neil was born on September 13, 1951 to Leander and Lorene (Smith) Wernberg in Bemidji, MN. The Wernberg family spent summers at the Wernberg homestead over the years but lived during the school years in various towns in North Dakota. Neil graduated from Bisbee High School, Bisbee, ND in 1969.

He went on to work various jobs, including the City of Devils Lake Public Works, before becoming an employee of The Soo Line railroad working his way up to gang foreman over his many years of service.

Neil married the love of his life, Charlene Efterfield, in Warren, MN on August 3, 1982. Blessing this union was their daughter Natalie Efterfield Sand. They settled in Bisbee, ND where they spent many years raising Natalie, riding motorcycle, fishing, hunting, playing cards, visiting next to a bonfire, and enjoying the many pleasures of life together. Neil was a member of the Norsemen Motorcycle Club in ND, along with his brother Myron.

After retirement, Neil and Charlene moved to the Wernberg farm where they built their new home. They also built a garage with dedicated room to host annual deer hunting potlucks. Neil lost his love Charlene, after a very fierce battle with cancer, in 2006.

Neil leaves behind his daughter, Natalie and son-in-law Wade Sand, along with grandchildren Maddison and Gavin, brother Russell Wernberg (Pam Burns), sisters-in-law Beryl Wernberg, Debbie Laudal, Becky Fisher (Scott), Jenny Powers, Christy Rogus, in-laws Beverly Rogus and Duane Eftefield, in addition to many nieces and nephews and dear friend Miles Whetham.

Neil was preceded in death by his wife Charlene, brother Myron, sister Charlotte who passed in infancy, parents, Leander and Lorene Wernberg, grandparents, cousins, relatives and friends. Neil enjoyed the years living with his dog Shadow (which he always said was Charlene’s dog) and favorite cats, including Dudley, which kept him company.

The family wishes to thank Cease Funeral Home for making arrangements as well as the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, Blackduck Ambulance and the Beltrami County Emergency Communications Division for their assistance during this unexpectedly sad time.

We remember Neil now free from pain, reunited with his love Charlene and riding his Harley in heaven with his brother Myron and friends.

memorial service

Service for Neil

July 28, 2023

Cease Family Funeral Home 81 Main St, Blackduck, MN 56630, USA

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Cease Family Funeral Home with burial at Lakeview Cemetery and then a lunch (starting at 4:30 p.m.) at the Blackduck Senior Citizens Center, 24 1st St E, Blackduck.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home