E. Frederick (Fred) Sommer
Fred Sommer was born March 19, 1930 to Henry
and Alfie (Carlson) Sommer in Rush City, MN. where he was raised and graduated from Rush City High School in 1949. Fred went
on to graduate from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. in 1954. Fred married Lois Syhre Feb. 28, 1958 in Pine
River, MN. and they moved back to his roots in Rush City. There he and Lois raised three children while working in the
family business at the Sommer Drug Store and Hallmark Shop. Fred went on to truly enjoy his custodial work at Plastech
Corporation until his retirement at 62 years of age. He took great pride in being part of the Plastech and Rush City
community.
Throughout his life, Fred's
passions were music, volunteerism, and camping! He enjoyed singing in Barbershop Music groups and the First Lutheran
Church Choir, he believed in helping others through fundraisers, rides to medical appointments, and delivering meals.
Camping and being outdoors was extremely uplifting for Fred. He and Lois made Apache Junction, AZ. their home after
retiring. He loved the year ‘round warmth and sunshine. Fred was also active in the Jasper Masonic Lodge #164
of Rush City, the Order of the Eastern Star and the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rush City.
Fred lived his final five years at Bayshore Health Center in Duluth MN to be
near family. He died peacefully November 17, 2008 at Bayshore with a strong faith in God.
Fred is preceded in death by his parents Henry and Alfie Sommer, wife Lois Syhre
Sommer (June 15, 2004) and father-in-law Reuben Syhre. He is survived by his sister ShirleyAnn (Ken) Severson, Little
Falls, MN., his children Karl Sommer, Bloomington, MN., Steve (Kim Kelly) Sommer, Roseville, MN., Barb (Jim) Welinski, Duluth,
MN., grandchildren Robin Church-Sommer, Cody, Kent, Josiah, and James Henry Sommer, Joel, Thomas, and Natalie Welinski, great
grandchild Marie Lilla Pettis and mother-in-law Bernadine Syhre.
The family would like to thank all the caring staff at Bayshore Health Center for their patience, understanding, and kindness
toward Fred and his family.
Funeral services
were celebrated Friday, November 21, 2008 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rush City with the Reverend Laurie O'Shea
officiating. Music was provided by organist Dianne Kirchberg and violinists Cody Sommer, Kent Sommer and Joel
Welinski. Honorary casket bearers included the Jasper Masonic Lodge of Rush City, and the Order of the Eastern
Star of Rush City. Active casket bearers were Steve Sommer, Karl Sommer, James Welinski, Joel Welinski, Cody Sommer
and Arlan Norling with the interment in the First Lutheran Cemetery east of Rush City.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service ~ Olson
Chapel of Rush City, MN.
