Sommers, Francis D.

Other Events:

• Military Service: Bef 1946; WWii US Army
• Obituary: 15 Jul 2012; Appleton Post Crescent

Notes:

Obituary:
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

Francis married Unknown, Mary Ann "Nan" [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Education - High School: Abt 1975, Neenah, Winnebago, Wisconsin, USA
• Obituary: Aft 28 Sep 2012

Notes:

Education - High School:
Neenah High School Class of 197_

Obituary:
Timothy Francis Sommers, age 55, passed away Friday, September 28, 2012 following a brief illness. He will be missed as a beloved son, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend.
Born August 1957 in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Mary Ann "Nan" and Francis D. Sommers, Tim was the third of three siblings; brother Patrick and sister Lynn. His family moved to Neenah in 1965 where Tim attended St. Gabriel School. He was active in his church as an altar boy and he served his community as a Boy Scout of America.
Tim graduated from Neenah's Neil Armstrong High School and immediately stepped into the work force using a combination of brawn and brains to excel at any task. He had a talent for sales but also enjoyed handling products behind the scenes. He liked to 'make things happen' while keeping a smile on his co-workers and customers faces. He gave his efforts and talents to; Dougherty's Sales, Americold Logistics, Tri-County Distributors, Graebel Moving, Banta Book Group, Warehouse Specialists INC and Santal Solutions LLC.
Tim inherited the Irish gift of gab, sharing it both at work and during many social gatherings. He balanced his busy life with the peaceful pastime of fishing. Always searching for the best spot to cast his lure, we are certain he has found it now-- where waters are calm and fish are plentiful.
He was predeceased by his father, Fran, in July of this year. Tim strove to be of support during these past months to his surviving family; mother, brother and sister. Tim is also survived by his great source of joy, support, and love of his life for 18 years, Debbie Techlin.
Numerous cousins and friends will remember Tim for his unique ways and desire to keep relatives important in his life.
A memorial mass for Tim will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday October 4, 2012 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Neenah, Fr. Larry Seidl officiating. Visitation will be at church from 10:00 A.M. until the hour of service. Inurnment will take place at SS. Peter and Paul Parish Cemetery, Hortonville, on Saturday October 6, 2012 at 10 A.M. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.
Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Nursing and Physician staff at St. Elizabeth ICU. Your skill and caring ways helped us through a difficult time.
Let this Irish Blessing carry our thoughts for Tim the rest of our days. May the wind be at your back and God hold you safe in the palm of His hand. Loved beyond words, Tim will be missed beyond measure.