Helen Sommer

Helen A. Sommer, age 97, of the town of Mosel, passed away Friday April 5, 2013 at Harvest Home in Howards Grove, where she had been a resident since last fall. Helen was born on July 28, 1915 in the town of Rockville, Manitowoc County, WI, a daughter of the late George and Ida (Strade) Leonard. She attended Rockville School. Helen worked for families in Sheboygan, cleaning homes. She also worked at Camp Rokolio during the summer months. On June 10, 1939, Helen was united in marriage to Melvin Sommer at St. Peter U.C.C. in Kiel, WI. Together, the couple farmed the Sommer Homestead on the shore of Lake Michigan in the town of Mosel over 70 years. Melvin preceded her in death on January 1, 2002. She was a member of St. Marks United Church of Christ in town Mosel where she had been a member of the church choir for over sixty years. Helen and Melvin were members of the "Melody Dancers" dance club over 20 years. She was a resourceful mother who provided for her growing family through her homemaking, gardening, and other duties that helped make a successful farm and special home. She enjoyed playing cards, and with Melvin was in several local card clubs. She was an avid birdwatcher. Helen will always be remembered for her chicken soup with homemade noodles, strawberry jam bread, homemade candies and chocolate chip cookies. Surviving Helen are two sons: Larry of Crandon, and Stanley of Haven, one daughter: Kathy Ann (Mark) Jurk, of Haven. She is further survived by Seven Grandchildren, Scott (Jennifer) of Wausau, Jodi (Craig) Grade of St. Peters, MO., and Shaun (Tammy) Sommer of Denmark, WI, Wendy (Tim) Schueler of Cleveland, Jay (Kayla) Sommer of Howards Grove, Heidi Krieghoff of Waukesha, and Deidre Sommer of Howards Grove, One Step-Grandson: Dustin Alexandroni. Also surviving Helen are fifteen great-grandchildren: Joshua, Jordan and Lucas Sommer, Taylor and Hannah Grade, Braedyn and McKinley Sommer, Brynn, Trevor, and Alicia Schueler, Colten Sommer, Avery and Palmer Krieghoff, Alexander Hansen and Madalynn May Given, one sister; Priscilla Pech of Manitowoc, one sister-in-law, Bernice Leonard. Helen was also preceded in death by three brothers, Harvey, Everett and Roy Leonard. one sister, Dorothy Ruh and a daughter in law, Janice Sommer. A funeral service for Helen on Tuesday April 9, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mark's United Church of Christ, N9286 Dairyland Drive in Town Mosel, with William Kesting, pastor, officiating. Friends may call on the family on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will follow at the Church Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established in the name of Helen A. Sommer to St. Mark's United Church of Christ. The Sommer family wishes to thank the staff of Harvest Home assisted living, Grace Hospice and Pastor William Kesting for the loving care and concern Helen received.