Werner was born on September 27, 1930, in Lucerne, Switzerland to Arnold Josef Ammann and Margrit Ammann Bohn. Werner was the 4th of six children; Vera, Richard, Jean, Sigi, and survived by Trudy. At the age of 16, Werner left his family and home in Davos, Switzerland to train as a Pastry Chef in Geneva. Upon graduation and the completion of obligatory service in the Swiss Army, Werner traveled the world working as a pastry chef. Some of his stops and stays along the way were England, Ghana, Japan, Puerto Rico and finally California. In the pursuit of the American dream, opportunity, and financial independence, Werner made his permanent home in the US. In Los Angeles, CA he met and married the love of his life, Annemarie Niedermann. Annemarie and Werner were married for a festive and lively 51 years before his passing.
Werner and Annemarie owned and operated restaurants in Torrance, Hemet, and then Indio, before settling in Lemoore and taking over the White Top Restaurant. Having a very successful run at being the sole proprietors for over 27 years. Everyone looking for a quick and delicious meal at Werner and Annamarie’s second home/restaurant was treated as their extended family. Werner was known for extending credit to customers who found themselves a little short on funds or for giving extra food to hungry customers. Werner may have been the originator of the fast food meal deal concept. Many Quick Lunches, Big Bargains, and Mini-Quicks were sold at the White Top. A clean restaurant, fast and friendly service, and consistently good food made Werner and Annemarie icons in the small town of Lemoore.
In 2001 Werner and Annemarie sold the restaurant and chose to stay in Lemoore for their retirement. After many years of being tied to a business that was open first seven and then six days a week, 12 hours a day, Werner, with his wife, returned to the travel that he enjoyed so much of in his younger life. Along with making a trip back to Switzerland, Werner traveled to China, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Arizona, Oregon, Lake Tahoe, including many trips to Avila Beach and Werner’s favorite destination, Las Vegas.
Werner had a love of nature and animals and routinely rescued birds and cats in need. He would mend their wounds and find them a good home. He once nursed a pair of mockingbirds from hatchlings, and when they took flight, he named them Orval and Wilber Wright! He was always serious about whatever he did but never too serious not to have fun with a playful and thoughtful sense of humor!
Werner loved playing the Lotto and Chess. Purchasing a “lucky” lotto ticket was a daily event. Despite suffering from Alzheimer’s, Werner retained the ability to beat just about anyone that challenged him to a Chess game. Besides his strong work ethic, devotion to his family, Werner will always be remembered for his sparkling blue eyes and warm smile.
Services will be at held at St. Peter’s Church in Lemoore on March 17 at 9:45 A.M. Friends who wish can make donations in Werner’s memory to Alzheimer’s Foundation of Central California, P.O. Box 3438, Pinedale, CA 93650 or at alz.org.