Pearl Lorraine Werner

Pearl Lorraine Werner, née Garbisch, passed away on August 26, 2026, in Greenfield, Wisconsin, at the age of 96. She was born on March 30, 1930, in Granton, Wisconsin.

Raised on a farm, Pearl carried that strong and spirited foundation with her throughout her life. She believed life was an adventure, and those who knew her will remember her as a woman full of wit, humor, and kindness. She had a true zest for life and a wonderful way of looking at the years, believing that you could pick your age and stick with it.

Pearl’s life was marked by determination and growth. She worked as a waitress and bought The Prologue, a supper club on Milwaukee’s south side. Later, she returned to school to earn her GED, then continued her education to become an LPN, and went back once more to earn her Associate’s Degree and become a Registered Nurse. She served as a prenatal care coordinator, operating room nurse and as a parish nurse at Christ Presbyterian Church, and in these roles she touched many lives. She was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Her faith and community were important parts of her life. Pearl was a longtime member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church. She loved gardening and flowers, enjoyed hiking, camping, cards, spoons, and driving, and especially treasured time spent with her grandchildren. She also loved music and enjoyed trips to the State Fair, finding joy in life’s simple pleasures as well as its adventures. 

Pearl is lovingly survived by her daughter, Vicki Berlik. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Anne Hautala, Jayne and Doug Ochs, Mike and Rachel Berlik, and Jeff and Liz Skonecki. As a great-grandmother, she was cherished by DeMarco, Colin and Val, Lauren and Don, Liberty, Toby, and Beatrice. Great great grandma of Violet, Waylon, and Oliver. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Anne Olson and many nieces and nephews. Further survived by her son in law of Dennis (Karen) Skonecki. Her family will remember her with deep love and gratitude, and her presence will continue to be felt in the stories, laughter, and traditions they share.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Patricia “Pat” Skonecki; her great-grandson, Jacob; and her brothers, Duane Lieske and Paul Garbisch.

Visitation will be held on September 1, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Max A. Sass & Sons Funeral and Cremation Greenridge Chapel, 4747 S. 60th Street, Greenfield, WI 53220, followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Burial will take place at 1:30 p.m. at Highland Memorial Park, 14875 West Greenfield Avenue, New Berlin, WI 53151.

In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to Our Lady of Lourdes Food Pantry or Christ Presbyterian Church.

Pearl Lorraine Werner lived with resilience, warmth, and joy. She leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, faith, laughter, and love that will be carried forward by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

As Pearl would say "On to the next adventure."