Sommers, Francis D.

1923 - 2012  (89 years)    Has 22 ancestors and 3 descendants in this family tree.

• Name	Sommers, Francis D.
  Born	25 Jan 1923	Hortonville, Outagamie, Wisconsin, USA
  Gender	Male
  Military Service	Bef 1946
  WWii US Army
  Died	11 Jul 2012
  Obituary	15 Jul 2012
  Appleton Post Crescent
  Francis D. Sommers, age 89, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 following a brief illness. He will be missed as a beloved brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, neighbor and respected member of his Neenah community. Born January 1923 in Hortonville to Alvina (Gitter) and Simon Sommers, he was the third of six siblings; Bernice "Toots", Lyle "Boy", Mary Ann "Petty", Robert "Sonny" and Verona Mae. His family moved to Appleton and Fran attended Appleton schools and enrolled in the Appleton Vocational School Machine Workshop program in 1941. His apprenticeship was interrupted in 1943 to serve as an Army Rifleman during WWII. He was wounded in action on the beach of Normandy, France in 1944. He completed his tour of duty and was awarded the Purple Heart. Upon return to civilian life in 1946, he was able to complete the 4 year apprentice program at Appleton Pattern Works and was issued a diploma as a wood Pattern Maker in 1947. Fran's early relationship with a childhood friend and neighbor, Mary Ann "Nan", was reestablished, evolved into becoming sweethearts, and blossomed into marriage in October 1948. Their first born son, Patrick, in 1950 was followed by daughter, Lynn, in 1953. In 1954 Fran accepted a position at Line Material Company in South Milwaukee, Wisc. The family moved to a modest ranch house a few blocks away from a child's paradise, Grant Park on Lake Michigan. Their second son, Timothy, was born in 1957, completing their family. Fran had a full time job, a house to renovate, and a young brood to raise. Much to do but he always kept his family the priority. From building a soap box derby car, teaching everyone to ice skate, constructing a rabbit hutch and play house, pointing out constellations, catching fireflies, digging for night-crawlers or mending a bird's broken wing, Fran combined his talents, passions and love to help teach his children honesty, confidence and compassion. A change of employment to United Pattern Works in 1965 brought the family back to the Fox River Valley. Ready to meet another housing challenge, Fran and Nan bought a century old house in Neenah Township. A project not for the faint of heart, their efforts were recognized when the home was accepted to the National Register of Historic Places. Fran built a large workshop and was never in need of a project. Be it taking on a private commission, fixing a friend's broken chair, or crafting a gift, he took pride in his work and loved creating something from wood. His joy for wood working ran parallel to his love of the trees. The property was rich with mature trees but Fran tried to safeguard every sapling (much to Nan's challenge as she had to hand mow around them). Fran wanted trees for their majestic beauty, shelter for the birds, and wood for future generations. He loved all trees but loved the mighty Oaks above all. One last change of employment and then Fran retired from Richmark Pattern in 1988. With a slower pace and time to enjoy the beauty of home, observing wild life, and visits with his grown family Fran enjoyed his days and happily reminisced as he spent much time being outdoors. As happens in old age, some days began to become a little foggy. Fran didn't seem to mind as he followed the rhythm of routine life and he shared days with the 'apple of his eye'. A little dog named Lulu. Fran could never have too difficult a day while Lulu entertained with her antics or sat peacefully in his lap. Fran is survived by his wife of 63 years, Nan (Neenah), his sons Pat (Neenah) and Tim (Appleton) and daughter Lynn (Appleton). His Grandson Craig (Princeton) and two great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. His sister Mary Ann (Appleton) and brother Robert (Appleton). Fran has numerous nieces and nephews and their children. He was predeceased by his parents and three siblings and their spouses: Bernice (Jack), Lyle (Margaret) and Verona (Chet). Also his beloved Lulu. A memorial mass for Fran will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, July 27, 2012 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Fr. Richard Allen officiating. Visitation will be at church from 10:00 A.M. until the hour of service. A private interment will be planned at a later date. Combining Fran's love for animals and his joy of planting trees decades ago at the Neenah Animal Shelter, memorial donations for that Shelter are suggested in lieu of flowers. Loved beyond words he will be missed beyond measure. Westgor Funeral Home 205 W. Doty Ave. Neenah 722-7151 Online Condolences: www.westgorfuneralhomes.com Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Northpoint Rehabilitation Center (Oshkosh) staff for becoming a second family to Fran over the past fifteen months. Published in Appleton Post-Crescent from July 13 to July 15, 2012
  Buried	Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, Hortonville, Wisconsin, USA
  	Sommers, Francis D. Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, Hortonville, Wisconsin, USA Military
  Person ID	I186624	1FamilyTree
  Last Modified	12 Oct 2015

  
  

  Father	Sommer, Simon,   b. 15 Oct 1897,   d. 7 Jan 1985  (Age 87 years)
  Mother	Gitter, Alvina,   b. 16 Apr 1899,   d. 7 Mar 1975  (Age 75 years)
  Family ID	F63189	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family	Unknown, Mary Ann "Nan"
  Children	1. Sommers, Patrick   2. Sommers, Lynn   3. Sommers, Timothy Francis,   b. 20 Aug 1957, Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA ,   d. 28 Sep 2012, Appleton, Outagamie, Wisconsin, USA  (Age 55 years)
  Last Modified	27 Jun 2014
  Family ID	F59576	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

• Event Map	Load the map	Born - 25 Jan 1923 - Hortonville, Outagamie, Wisconsin, USA Buried - - Saints Peter And Paul Catholic Cemetery, Hortonville, Wisconsin, USA  = Link to Google Earth
  Pin Legend	: Address       : Location       : City/Town       : County/Shire       : State/Province       : Country       : Not Set

  
  

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  Sommers, Francis D.