Obituary Posted: 6/23/04
Lois J. (Syhre) Sommer, 64, died on June 15, 2004 in Duluth, Minn. following a brief battle with brain cancer.
Funeral service was 11 a.m. Monday, June 21, at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rush City with the Reverend Laurie OíShea officiating. Organist was Dianne Kirchberg and soloist was Fred Meissner. Violinists Cody and Kent Sommer and pianist Joel Welinski, Lois and Fredís grandsons, provided additional music. Cross bearers were Cody Sommer and Joel Welinski. Honorary casket bearers were the Jasper Chapter, order of Eastern Star. Casket bearers were Duane Mell, Jim Welinski, Arlan Norling, Dean Goebel, Cliff Shoberg, and Virgil Magnuson. Interment was at the first Lutheran Cemetery in Rush City. Arrangements were by the Olson Chapel, Funeral & Cremation Service, Rush City, Minn.
Lois was born on March 31, 1940 in Little Falls, Minn. She graduated from Little Falls High School in 1958 and attended Minneapolis Business College. Lois married E. Frederick Sommer on February 28, 1959. Lois was a long time resident of Rush City, Minn. where she managed the Hallmark Gift Shop until beginning her career at Plastech Corp. where she enjoyed working in Quality Control and Engineering. She was active in Eastern Star, First Lutheran Church, and Camping Club.
She retired and moved with her husband Fred to the Gold Canyon area in Arizona where they were active in the Montessa Community and Epiphany Lutheran Church.
Lois is survived by her husband Fred Sommer of Duluth, Minn.; her parents Rueben and Bernadine Syhre of Pine River, Minn.; her children, Karl Sommer of Bloomington, Minn., Steve (Kim) Sommer of Roseville, Minn., Barb (Jim) Welinski of Duluth, Minn.; eight grandchildren: Robin Echlos-Sommer, Joel, Thomas, and Natalie Welinski, Cody, Kent, Josiah, and James Henry Sommer; sisters Joyce (Duane) Mell of Braham, Minn., Marilyn (Arlan) Norling of Fargo, ND; and twelve nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to all the staff at Bayshore Health Center, Dr. David Mast and St. Maryís Hospice all of Duluth, Minn.
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