Our friend Craig of Mrs Peters Smokehouse has passed away.
R. Craig Werle, longtime Treasure Coast businessman and radio show host, died Monday, January 16, 2017. His family by his side in Stuart, Florida. He is survived by his wife Rayma, children, Kristen and Juliann (Werle) Zoetmulder, sister Barbara Brown, brother Grant, and grandchildren, Justin, Alex, Charlie, Kate and Olivia.
Craig Werle co-owned Mrs. Peters Food company in Rio, offering up smoked fish dip popular among the locals and found in several restaurants and bars throughout the area.
Born in Birmingham, AL to Robert and Florence Werle on October 31,1942 he was raised in Pittsburgh, PA. He never lost allegiance to his Steelers.
Craig was a natural to sales and management. He began his storied career at Iron City Brewery in Pittsburgh, then achieved early success with Pabst Brewing Company in Milwaukee, where he raised his family. Eventually, he migrated back to Stuart, FL to work with multiple family businesses.
He is beloved by his immediate family and also his friends within the local community of music. Craig also had a radio show on WSTU for many years, where he recounted stories of everything from his business, to his long career in the beer industry working for Iron City beer and Pabst Blue Ribbon, and even politics. Werle was also a musician, playing trombone with The Dreamers, a local big band.
A service will be held on Saturday, January 21 at 2pm at Palm City Presbyterian Church. Mrs Peters Smokehouse will close early this Saturday at 1pm to give everyone the chance to honor Craig.
In lieu of flowers, please consider the needs of the immediate family. Donations can be made to assist with Craig’s medical expenses through Youcaring https://www.youcaring.com/raymawerle-739091
(Note from the Editor: Craig and Rayma were the among the first people to welcome me to my little corner of the world. He always came out to greet and always made sure he had my favorite fish dip in house. I will miss him and I think our whole community will.)
