Alexandre L. Wery, 91, of Cedar Rapids, died Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at the Ed and Joan Hemphill Hospice Unit at St. Luke's. A funeral mass will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, October 1, 2016 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. Burial will be held at Hazel Knoll Cemetery near Viola. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, September 30, 2016 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW.

Alexandre Leon was born November 29, 1924 in Hamois-en-Condroz, Belgium, the son of Martin and Palmyre (Massart) Wery. His childhood was filled with many adventures, and the struggles of living in Belgium through WWII. Alex spent three years as prisoner of war in labor camps in Germany. He then immigrated to the U.S. in 1951 and became a proud naturalized citizen in 1956. Alex met Angela Kurka in 1957 and married on June 7, 1958 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. Together they raised their six children in Cedar Rapids. He worked for 35 years as a pipeline welder and crew leader for Mid-American Energy, formerly Iowa Illinois Gas and Electric. He spent his free time hunting, fishing, and gardening with his family. He was an avid outdoorsman. Alex was always in companionship with his wife, his children, and his dogs. Alex had a deep love for the outdoors, nature, and U.S. history. Frequently he was found at Matsell Bridge Natural Area or Squaw Creek Gardens. He was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. Alex had a big personality and was loved by all who knew him. He lived with dignity and died that way as well.

Alexandre is survived by his wife Angela of 58 years; children Jeanine (Jim) Jacomb, Gregory (Laurie) Wery, Mark (Teresa) Wery, Eric (Cheryl) Wery, Alan (Judy) Wery, and Paulette (Eric) Hageman; 14 grandchildren; and 6 great grandchildren.

Alexandre was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, and one brother.

Memorials may be directed to the family.