Sommer, Adrian

Other Events:

• Obituary: 18 Feb 2018; APC

Notes:

Obituary:
Dale - Adrian Ewalt Sommer, 89, formerly of Dale, passed away on Friday February 16 at Brewster Village, Appleton WI. He lived most of his life in the Dale area before retiring to Three Lakes, WI. In 2016, he and Nila made the move south and were residence of TouchMark, Appleton, WI. He was born on February 8, 1929 to Ewalt (Fat) Sommer and Martha (Beckman) Sommer.
Adrian graduated from Washington High School in New London.
He married Nila Diley on November 5, 1949 at United Congregational Church in Dale.
Adrian started working in his family's business Service Motor Company, Dale as a mechanic, then in sales, and became owner and president in 1966. In the 1970's Service Motor Company became one of the largest JI Case dealerships in the United States. Adrian was involved in every aspect of the business. He and Nila worked side by side every day. They traveled to numerous worldwide locations on business trips. Adrian & Nila along with other couples started the "Dale Trailblazers" snowmobile club. He was a dedicated member of the Dale Fire Department and Dale Community Club.
In 1986, his son Jim became the 4th generation president of Service Motor Co. Adrian worked along side Jim in the business until 1999. He and Nila then retired and moved to their home on Virgin Lake in Three Lakes where they resided until 2016.
Upon retirement Adrian's woodworking skills began. He would harvest trees from his property and with the use of his sawmill, supplied the lumber and logs needed for his projects. He built a wide variety of furniture for his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends. He and Nila enjoyed their days working outside, watching the wildlife, and visiting with their neighbors.
Adrian was known for his stories and jokes, which he was willing to share with everyone. He left you laughing.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, his sons Thomas and Tony, grandson Anton Thomas, his daughter-in-law Kay Sommer, brother and sister-in-laws Clair and Beverly Sommer, and brother and sister-in-law, Duane "Peewee" and Marlene Sommer.
Adrian is survived by his wife of 68 years Nila, son James (Marie) Sommer, daughter LuAnn (Bill) Stern and daughter in-law Kathy Beyer. Grandchildren: Kimberlee Sommer, Kara Sommer, Kevin (Rachel) Sommer, Kent (Maraen) Sommer, Kyle (Nicole) Sommer, Korey Sommer, Kristen (Kurt) Wondra, Ted (Melissa) Sommer, Todd (Rachal) Sommer, Tim (Cindy) Sommer, Tina (Nathan) Miller, Matt (Alicia Eggert) Stern, Mike (Kari) Stern and numerous great-grandchildren.
The family would like to extend their thanks to TouchMark and Brewster Village for the wonderful care Adrian received.
Funeral services for Adrian will be held on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home, New London. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will be in the Dale Union Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund in Adrian's name has been established.
Published in Appleton Post-Crescent on Feb. 18, 2018

Adrian married Diley, Nila (daughter of Diley, Roy and Hanselman, Elisabeth) [Group Sheet]