Sylvester A. Sommers

June 15, 1914 - November 24, 2008

Sal was born June 15, 1914 to Fred and Kate (Holbach) Sommers in Atwater, Wisconsin. He attended St. Peters School in Beaver Dam. He married Beatrice Thill at St. Peters Catholic Church, Beaver Dam, on September 3, 1938. Sal and Betty were blessed with 7 children, 13 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. Sal was deferred from active military service, but served in the Civilian Conservation Corps during the war. He retired after working 42 years at the Spring Street Weyenberg Shoe Factory. He recently returned to his faith as a member of St. Katharine Drexel Parish, was a former member of the Knights of Columbus and Fox Lake Golf Club. He was very proud of his wonderful family, being a Fox Lake Golf Club Champion, and was a gardening perfectionist, sharing his bountiful garden harvests with family and friends. Hobbies also included card playing, especially poker in his youth and cribbage in later years.

Sal will be deeply missed by his loving children; Helen (Gary) Schumaker, Wonder Lake, IL, Mary (John) Garbalagtys, Rolling Prairie, Bob (Solly), Beaver Dam, Sue (Jeff) Linde, Beaver Dam, and Terri (Gene) Dedmon, East Ridge, TN, grandchildren; Joe (Kim) Davis, Shawn Schumaker, Jenny (Scott) Klawitter, Mike (Tammy) Garbalagtys, Sandy (Steve) Doll, Ben Sommers, Crystal and Jason Sommers, Matt and Elizabeth Linde, Brian and Brock Linde and Keller Dedmon; and “Tootsies” great grandchildren; Amelia, Gary, Bryce, Ellyce, Grayce, Maddie, Aby, Jonah, Julia, Sam, Simon, Dylan and Cooper, siblings; Margaret Bulthuis and Carl Sommers, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Other special family and friends are Roger (Maureen) Linde, Pat Sommers and dear friends Ruth and Richie Graff. Sal was preceded in death by his parents, siblings; Sylvia Wheeler and Peter Sommers, wife, Betty in 2007, daughter-in-law Marcia Sommers and children; Dick Sommers and Joan Linde.

Visitation will be at St. Katharine Drexel / St. Peter”s Catholic Church in Beaver Dam on Saturday, November 29, 2008 from 12:00 Noon until 1:30 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at the church on Saturday at 1:30 PM with Fr. Jose Gonzalez and Fr Carlos Florez officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Oakwood Cemetery, Town of Beaver Dam, Dodge County, Wisconsin.

The family suggests that memorials be made in Sal”s name to the Beaver Dam Community Hospital Foundation, Hillside Manor, or to Church Health Services.

The family would like to express deep appreciation to Dr. Augustson and nurse Carolyn, Gail, Charlie and Jill Fakes and staff at Charleston House, and the caring staff on Swan Hall East at Hillside Manor for their skill, kindness and compassion while caring for Sal. Your efforts to give peace and comfort will never be forgotten.

The Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is caring for the family. Online condolences may be made on our website at www.MurrayFH.com.

Service Details

Saturday, November 29th, 2008, 1:30pm, St. Katharine Drexel Spring St. Church-Beaver Dam

Interment Details

Oak Hill Cemetery-Horicon

Beaver Dam – Sylvester “Sal” Sommers, age 94, formerly of Charleston House, found peace and entered into the fullness of eternal life on Monday, November 24, 2008, after a short stay at Hillside Manor Nursing Home. Sal was born June 15, 1914 to Fred and Kate (Holbach) Sommers in Atwater, Wisconsin. He attended St. PetersContinue Reading

See Condolences

Darwin and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your cousin Lavonne had called me, to let me know. May she be at peace with no suffering again. Thinking of your entire family at this time. God be with you!

My condolances to you,friends and family;
I had the pleasure of working with Pat on the 3rd floor of Lakeview,she was a great nurse,and very funny,
I'm truly sorry for your loss.Sue (Tudor),Peeler

Rest In Peace Pat. The Lord has you in his care. Thanks for being a great co-worker and friend.

My frist wedding at Pella, Waupun, was Darwin and Pat. In the many years I have known them and loved them and having been their Pastor for nearly 17 years, I now have to apply the message I preached so many years about the Truth of the Resurrection and Life again in Jesus Christ. I know where Pat is now, and I know I will see her again. In fact, she will probably be standing at the gate to give me a big hug when I am called home. While I will miss her terribly, death for a Christian is never a goodbye but like the Germans say, until I see you again. Darwin, I love you and will see you soon.
Blessigs,
Pastor Jim and Andrea

I wanted to express my condolences to all of you. I am living in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada but read the paper online. I didn''t realize your dad was born the same year as my dad. I will always picture him outside tending to his garden and flowers. Those were good years on Spring St!!! Carol

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Dear Sommers family: Julie and I are thinking of you during this sad time. We were unable to attend the service on Saturday due to some family commitments. We offer you our sympathy and best wishes. Greg & Julie Steil.

Sue and Jeff and all the Sommers family, My deepest sympathy in the loss of your dad. Having lost both my parents in the last two years, I know how you must feel. The hurt doesn''t go away, but it is eased a lot by the good memories and the thoughtfulness of family and friends. Warmly, Roger VanHaren

We were saddened to hear of Uncle Sally''s passing. All will be in our thoughts & prayers as we go through our grieving together. Though he will be missed, Uncle Sally is in a much better place than any of us can possibly imagine. We keep our memories close as we comfort each other during this difficult time. God Bless!!

Blessed by Sylvester and Betty, I am praying for the family. father carlos

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.