George Sommerfeld

VISITATION

4-7 p.m., Sunday, January 19 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel and from 10-11, Monday January 20 at St. Charles Catholic Church, 810 Pearl St., Chippewa Falls.

SERVICE

11 a.m., Monday, January 20 at St. Charles Catholic Church, 810 Pearl St., Chippewa Falls.

George Paul Sommerfeld, 89, died peacefully on Thursday, January 16th at Grace Woodland in Eau Claire.

George was the second of seven children born to George Sr. and Gladys Sommerfeld on September 2, 1924 in Chippewa Falls.

He grew up on the east hill. Childhood memories were filled with adventures he shared with his brothers and friends along the river and on The Flats. At 18, George entered the U.S. Army. The next three years were spent as a Medic in the South Pacific Theatre. His company was preparing to enter mainland Japan when WWII came to a close.

Georges war time goal of returning to Chippewa Falls came true. A short time later he met the love of his life, Dorothee Loschko, at the Pines Skating Rink in Bloomer. They got married on October 31, 1946, and settled in the house he spent two years building on Terrill Street.

The shoe industry became his career when he took a job as shoe cutter at the Mason Shoe Co. In his early years he served as Union President. An offer to move into the Personnel office led to management positions such as leather purchasing and eventually Plant Manager in the newly acquired F & F Plant. He retired after 44 years, and became a consultant for several foreign and domestic shoe manufacturers.

On the side, George was a tremendously talented carpenter, electrician, and mason. His skills were in high demand. You can still see his handiwork around town in the form of flower boxes, fireplaces, and sidewalks.

George was a long-time member of Toastmasters International. Every Tuesday night, the family assembled after supper to hear the speech he would present that evening. He took a lot of pride in coaching a Womens Softball team for several years. When it came to hunting and fishing he devoted much of his time to five sons and his step-dad, Packie Christenson. He developed a reputation at the factory as one of the guys most likely to bring home a buck. For a twenty year stretch he travelled to Alaska and deep sea fished with his brother, Dayton and a host of friends and relatives.

Above all, George was a family man. There was always something to look forward to. One Sunday it would be church in St. Paul, followed by a day at Como Park. A week in Brunette Island State Park might be next. Afternoons at Rays Beach were commonplace. A trip to Canada when the kids were young was a classic family adventure. Eventually a cabin Up North became the family focal point.

George was a life time member of St. Charles Catholic Church. As the family grew older, and time allowed, he served on the School Board for McDonell High School. He developed a passion for high school football. He will be remembered for his sharp wit and funny one-liners. He was forever upbeat and quick to offer a helping hand to anyone.

Surviving loved ones include, his wife, Dorothee of Chippewa Falls; children, Barbara Hallberg of St. Charles, IL, Tim (Joan) of Chippewa Falls, Lou Ann Loomis (Jeff Tompkins) Eau Claire, Mary of Eau Claire, Steve of Anchorage, AK, Ace (Debbie) of Eau Claire, George (Marsha) of Glen Ellyn, IL, Greg (Judy) of Chippewa Falls; brother Robert Bob (Lorraine) of Chippewa Falls; . sisters-in-law, Rosemary Sommerfeld, Toots Loschko, and Geri Christenson; 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy; brothers, Kenneth, Dayton, Fritz, Richard; sons-in-law, Doyle Loomis and Roy Hallberg, and grandson, Adam Hallberg.

The Sommerfeld family wishes to acknowledge the loving care George received from the staff at Grace Woodland and Hospice of St. Joseph in Chippewa Falls.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, January 20 at St. Charles Catholic Church, Chippewa Falls with the Very Rev. Ed Shuttleworth officiating . Interment will be in South Catholic Cemetery, Bloomer.

Visitation will be from 4 -7 p.m., Sunday, January 19 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls and one hour prior to the service Monday at the church. A prayer vigil service will be held at 7 p.m., Sunday evening at the funeral chapel.

Our Dad If we could write a story, it would be the greatest ever told, of a kind and loving father. Who for us, will never grow old. If we could write a million pages, we still would be unable to say, just how much we love and miss him, every single day. We will remember all he taught us, though were hurt and will always be sad, for hell send us down the answers, and he will always be Our Dad.

AFTERSERVICE

A funeral service for George P. Sommerfeld, 89, was held at 11 a.m., Monday, January 20 at St. Charles Catholic Church, Chippewa Falls. The Very Rev. Ed Shuttleworth was celebrant at the funeral mass assisted by Don Hable and Ron Bresina. Music was provided by Jerry Boorsma, the St. Charles Choir and grandson, Jeff Sommerfeld. Readers were Laurie Keene and Erika Hallberg and gift bearers were Greg, Laurie, Andy and Bella Keene. Personal reflections were shared by daughters, Barbara Hallberg, Lou Ann Loomis, Mary Sommerfeld and sons, Ace and Greg Sommerfeld.

Military honors were conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council and Frankie Rineck bugled taps. Interment was in South Catholic Cemetery, Bloomer. Casket bearers were George, Greg, Nick, Joe and Jeff Sommerfeld, Jeff Moule, Andy and Greg Keene and honorary casket bearer was Dorian Crozer.