Gerald F. Sommer

Gerald (Jerry) F. Sommer died of natural causes at 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 5, 2011. Jerry was born on October 30, 1924 to Richard and Emma Sommer. He was 86 years old. Jerry served in WWII in the United States Marine Corp and earned the Purple Heart after being wounded during the battle on Namur Island in the Kwajalein Atoll in 1944. He was a member of the local VFW Post 3676. Jerry married Jessie Metivier of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. They celebrated over 50 years of marriage before her passing. Jerry is survived by his 5 children including: Linda Deptula; Richard Sommer; Susan Larson; Sharon Haines; and, Michael Sommer. He is also survived by his sister Margaret Brown and nieces Debbie and Pam. Surviving grandchildren include: Wesley Larson, Zach and Daniel Sommer; Joe and Jessie Haines. Surviving nieces and nephews from his late brother Richard (Dick) and Maggie Sommer include: Nancy, Jimmy, Teddy, Donnie, Wendy, Eddie. In later years, Jerry reconnected with his Canadian nieces and nephews. They added something very special to his life bringing greater happiness and love to him. They include: Marjorie Finley; Bobby Metivier; Marilyn Morrison; Roger Metivier; Chuck Metivier; and, Monique Cowan. A very special woman who added years to the longevity of Jerry''s life and the sparkle of romance and love that knows no age nor boundaries is Margaret Drescher. They enjoyed over 7 years together helping to fulfill each other''s lives and the families they loved. Jerry worked for over 20 years at the Gerry Press repairing business machines, routinely including The Grand Hotel and Kincheloe AFB. He left the Gerry Press to join the United States Post Office and retired from there at age 65. Hobbies he enjoyed were woodcarving, history, reading, fishing, and feeding the birds, squirrels and other wildlife. His greatest gift to his family and friends was a HEART FULL OF LOVE that he shared with them unconditionally. We all loved him greatly and he will be deeply missed. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 9th, 2011 at the Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home 113 Maple Street, Sault Ste. Marie, MI from 1pm until 3 p.m. with a service immediately following with Capt. Dan Voss officiating. An Honor Guard from the VFW will play taps and present a flag to the family.

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Gerald F. Sommer

October 30, 1924 - March 5, 2011