Alida SuzAnn Jannay Werner was born December 23, 1941 in Mankato, Minnesota, the daughter of Vincent James and Helen Jane (Salisbury) Tillman. She grew up in New Ulm and enjoyed spending time with her grandparents Alfred and Ida Salisbury, after whom she was named. On September 10, 1960, Alida married Gilbert Werner and they made their home in southern Minnesota until March of 1967, when they moved to Benson. Alida was busy being a homemaker, raising their three children and being a girlscout leader. Last September, she and her soul mate, Gilbert, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, still holding hands like newlyweds. Among the things Alida enjoyed were crocheting afghans, embroidery, making quilts, baking and reading. She especially enjoyed spending time on the porch swing with her children and grandchildren. Alida was called from this life on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at Golden Living Center in Benson. She attained the age of 69, 3 months and 20 days. Alida is survived by her husband Gilbert; her children: Scott (Dreama) Werner of Louisburg, KS, Holly Werner of Mounds View, and Kara Zierke of Mapleton; five grandchildren: Benjamin Werner, Lindsay Donahue, Jason Semedy, Jessica Zierke, and Rebecca Zierke; a great grandson, Jackson Zierke; special family friend, Susan McCaskey; two brothers: Tod (Diane) Tillman of Mankato, and Tracy (Lisa) Tillman of Webberville, MI; and other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were her parents, Vincent and Helen; a son-in-law, Tim Zierke; and her mother and father-in-law, Arthur and Leona Werner.
