The Superior Express -

John Woerner has closed his business, Woerner Body Shop, after nearly 30 years of business at 202 Delaware in Jewell. He purchased the building in July of 1993, from Dunstan Construction. In 2005, he purchased the adjoining building from Big Bear Repair. That building was the first bank building built in Jewell County. It has had various owners, but for many years served as the telephone office in Jewell.

Woerner's interest in body work began in high school. He pursued that career to graduate from Milford, Nebraska, Vo-Tech in auto body work. During his military service he was assigned to vehicle maintenance. Returning to civilian life, he worked in auto body shops in Omaha and Fremont, Nebraska.

Two years prior to opening his Jewell shop, Woerner worked evenings and weekends in a building in Ionia where he had secured space to work on equipment for the threshing bee. That led to other jobs, and it became feasible to buy the building that was available in Jewell.

Later on he expanded his business to include another line of work as Jewell Buggy Works. He rebuilt and restored horse drawn vehicles and older farm equipment while continuing his work on cars, trucks and tractors.

Health issues prevented him from continuing in his chosen line of work and the decision was made to close the business. The buildings have both been purchased by Jewell Implement and will be incorporated into their business.