Werner participated in football, basketball and track and field at McPherson College. On the gridiron, he earned all-Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference honors as a senior in 1960 after receiving honorable mention from the coaches in 1959. Werner was a two-time all-KCAC honorable mention pick on the hardcourt (1960, 1961).

Originally from Winona, Kansas, Werner remained in McPherson after graduation, teaching science and biology at McPherson High School from 1968-1999. He also served as an assistant basketball coach during McPherson High's three-year championship run from 1972-1974 under Jay Frazier. Werner later earned a master's degree in science education from Kansas State University in 1976.

A member of M Club during his days as a collegian, Werner also received induction to the McPherson College Heritage Roll of Honor. Werner and his late wife, Diane, made their home in McPherson, where they raised two daughters. He currently resides in McPherson and is a member of the McPherson Church of the Brethren.