Werner Kaese

Werner Erich Kaese, "Casey", passed away peacefully at home in Rochester, MN on November 2nd at the age of 96.

He was born April 3, 1928, in Reading, PA to German immigrants Margarete and Arthur Kaese. After living in North Carolina, Montreal, Alabama, Tennessee and Wisconsin he graduated from Wilson High School in West Lawn, PA. He earned his undergraduate degree in chemistry and biology from Albright College in Reading, PA and his medical degree from University of Maryland. His residency and Master's degree in Obstetrics and Gynecology were earned at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA.

During his internship at Lancaster General Hospital in Lancaster, PA, Werner met an OB nurse who became the love of his life, Dorothy Elizabeth McCarney. They were married on New Year's Day, 1955. After living in Annapolis, MD, where he served as a medical officer at the US Naval Academy and then living in Philadelphia, PA, they moved to Rochester, MN. Werner joined the Olmsted Medical Group in 1959. He spent his entire career there as an OB/GYN delivering over 8,000 babies before retiring in 1994.

Werner and Dorothy raised 7 children. When not on call, he was a devoted father, cheering from the sidelines at countless sporting events, choir and band concerts and plays. Nearly every summer they bravely packed all 7 kids into a station wagon and drove them all over the US and Canada. Werner loved photography, and his children were typically used as the subjects along with flowers...lots of flowers. Werner was a talented designer and craftsman of the family's home, building much of the interior as well as furniture. He also constructed furnishings and cabinetry for his church. Werner and Dorothy loved to travel, spending their retirement years on Clipper Ship and river cruises all over the world. Werner also served on two medical mission trips to Madagascar. When they weren't traveling, they were volunteering for Meals on Wheels, Community Food Response, and at Bethel Lutheran Church where he was a longtime member.

Werner is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Dorothy; sister, Mildred Armstrong of Jackson, MI; his children: Eileen Kaese Uzarek (Jerry) of Apple Valley, MN; Diane Kaese of Jersey City, NJ; Allison Kaese Wilson (Gary) of Elmhurst, IL; Scott Kaese (Emily) of Rochester, MN; Lisa Kaese Robertson of Rochester, MN; Dean Kaese (Heather) of Mission Viejo, CA; and Heather Kaese (Brian) of Bend, OR, along with 14 grandchildren, and as he said "finally", 2 great-grandchildren who brought him much joy these past 3 years.

The family would like to recognize Brenda Z. for always remembering his birthday, a gesture that he greatly appreciated.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Friday, November 8, 2024 at Bethel Lutheran Church 810 3rd Ave SE, Rochester, MN. Visitation will be held 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Thursday, November 7, 2024 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN and one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the Kaese family requests that memorials be directed to the OMC Regional Foundation for the Dr. Werner Kaese Endowment to support Women's Health Services

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Kaese family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.