Werner Koekemoer

Werner Koekemoer, 24, formerly of South Africa, passed away unexpectedly on April 15, 2026.  He was born February 14, 2002 in his family home to Sean and Alida Koekemoer. He was very grateful to grow up in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, and later moved into the city of Pretoria, South Africa with his family, before going overseas to work in Utah for 3 years, and most recently finding his way to Nebraska. His greatest school accomplishment was getting to represent his town, his country, and his people by wearing his rugby uniform. He also loved getting to grow up so close to his friends.

"Werries" was a “jack of all trades” and worked to gain a lot of different skills in his life. Although, if you talked with him, you would know that his favorite was sitting in a swather cutting hay, or driving truck. He had so many amazing qualities. His smile lit up a room, and his laughter was infectious. He had friends on all continents, and boy, did his friends mean the world to him. The man never met a stranger. Every person in the world was just a friend he hadn’t met yet. His love for nature was unmeasurable. Werries loved to fish, even if that meant catching only 1 fish in a 16 hour day and driving through the safari with his family. He could spot any animal near or far, and could tell you everything there was to know about it. 

He was such an adventurous soul and truly made the most with every day he was given. But his best quality yet, was how much joy and happiness it brought him to find out he would be a dad this fall. Raising a family was the only thing he really wanted in life. 

Survivors include his parents, Sean and Alida Koekemoer of Pretoria, South Africa, his siblings: Rudi (Jilian) Koekemoer of Pretoria, South Africa, Shaun Koekemoer of Komatipoort, South Africa, and Jean Mari Siter of Pretoria, South Africa, his grandmothers, Ronel Koekemoer, and Petro Van Aswegen both of South Africa, special friend, Abbee Buss of Plymouth, Nebraska and their unborn child expected in October. He was preceded in death by both of his grandfathers.

Funeral Services 2:00 p.m., Sunday, April 19, 2026 at Faith Baptist Church, Pawnee City, Nebraska with Pastor Chris Rohrbaugh officiating.  Visitation one hour before the service on Sunday. Memorials to the family for later designation.  Werner will be flown back to South Africa to be buried close to his family.  The service was live-streamed for those who were unable to attend on the Wherry Mortuary/Wherry Monument Facebook page.  A link to the livestream is available here: https://www.facebook.com/100057240888156/videos/1308270837852227

 Online condolences may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com.  Services are entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, Pawnee City, Nebraska.

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