Barbara Werner, 59

Barbara Lynn Werner passed away Feb. 2 at the Christian Community Home in Hudson, Wis.

Barbara was born on May 6, 1953, in St. Louis, Mo. She received her undergraduate and master's degrees from St. Louis University and her doctorate in communication studies from the University of Kansas. After completing her graduate work, she taught at Missouri Western State College and at Creighton University. She joined the faculty of University of Wisconsin-River Falls in 1994 and, until the time of her death, was a professor in UWRF's Department of Communication Studies and Theatre Arts.

Dr. Werner gave professional presentations, led workshops, and was a published scholar, specializing in interpersonal communication and gender studies. Her professional awards included UWRF's College of Liberal Arts' Outstanding Teacher. She served the university in various leadership positions, including as department chair, women's studies program chair, and faculty senate chair. She was a member of the National Communication Association; the Organization for the Study of Communication, Language, and Gender; and Wisconsin Women in Higher Education Leadership.

Barbara enjoyed travel to the Caribbean, Greece, and China.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Marjorie Werner, and her Shar Pei, Charlie Chan.

She is survived by her father, Gus Werner of Seminole, Fla.; her cousin, Tony Mather of Homosassa, Fla.; her two second cousins, Pam and Chris Mather; her two pugs, Peter St. Croix (Petey) and Beans; and very special friends, Ron Snell, Kirsten Everett, and Bridget Green.

A celebration of Barbara's life will be held at UWRF from 3-5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 27, in the University Center's Falls Room. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

O'Connell Funeral Home of Hudson is assisting with arrangements, 715-386-3725, www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com.

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