Muriel Elizabeth (Duerfeldt) Wernke was born on August 3, 1918, at Herrick, SD, to Raymond and Olga Duerfeldt. She joined the choir of angels in heaven on June 9, 2007, while under Hospice Care of SC at the age of 88 years. Her twin brother, Melvin Duerfeldt, predeceased her. Muriel was a resident of Eden Gardens Assisted Living Aiken, SC since March 2003.

Muriel married Leonard Wernke on February 28, 1938, at St. Johns Catholic Church, Herrick, SD. They had four children: Lou Ann, John Leonard, David Ralph and Douglas Eugene. Muriel was a homemaker. She was a devoted, caring wife, mother, grandmother of 12 and great grandmother of 12. Her hobbies were baking, gardening, crafts, card games and woodworking.

Muriel and Leonard farmed land in South Dakota for 45 years. They retired and moved to Burke, SD, in 1992. After Leonard passed away on July 9, 1998, Muriel moved into the Park View Manor in Burke. In October 2002, she moved to Aiken, SC, to be near her daughter and oldest son.

Muriel was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard; parents, Raymond and Olga Duerfeldt; and brothers, LaVerne and Melvin Duerfeldt.

Muriel is survived by her four children:Lou Ann Ainsworth Scott (William R.), Aiken, SC; John Leonard Wernke (Nancy), New Ellenton, SC; David Ralph Wernke (Venus), Saipan, MP; Douglas Eugene Wernke (Laurie), Lennox, SD; one sister Midge Clausen of Burke, SD; one sister-in-law, Margaret Duerfeldt of Herrick, SD, 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to a charity of choice or to Hospice Care of SC, 946 Millbrook Avenue, Ste. A, Aiken, SC 29803.