Alvin G. Sommer

Alvin G. Sommer, age 86, passed away peacefully, Friday, August 1, 2008, surrounded by his family at home as he wished. Alvin was born in Racine, July 14, 1922, son of the late Max and Crescentia (Nee: Mattes) Sommer and was a lifelong resident of Racine.

During World War II he worked with Aeronautical Chart Service which served the United States Army Air Force and he received special commendations from Air Force Generals and Aeronautical Chart Service. On October 20, 1951, at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church he was united in marriage to Lillian F. Barina. Alvin was employed by Massey Ferguson, retiring from Bucyrus Erie after twenty-five years of service. Alvin took over his father’s business, Sommer Emblem Company, which designed and produced the original Boy Scout neckerchief slides. He was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church serving as an usher and choir member. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He loved northern Wisconsin and instilled this love in his children by camping every year since his marriage, a tradition that is still carried on today. Above all he was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be dearly missed.

Survivors include the love of his life for fifty-six years, Lillian; his children, Janet (Mike) Sanchez of Racine, Kathryn (Peter) Malanche of Mukwonago, Victoria (David) Ryan of Aurora, CO, John (Doreen) Sommer of Racine, Lenore (Edward) Jacobs of Highland Park, IL; his ten grandchildren, Stacey, Marissa, Nick, Michael, Rachel, Erin, Stephan, Hailey, Madeline and Elisabeth; his great-grandchildren, Kayla, Isiah, Mason, Dominic, Brock and Marley; brother, Gilbert Sommer of Punta Gorda, FL; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Alice Barina of Racine, Sr. Joan Barina of Kenai, AK, Robert (Charlotte) Barina of Racine; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister, Marceline (Dan) Vale; and brother-in-law, Dr. Henry Barina.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2201 Northwestern Avenue, on Wednesday, August 6, 2008, 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Ronald O. Crewe officiating. Private entombment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Tuesday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. (Prayer service at 6:30 p.m.) and Wednesday at the church, 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Sacred Heart Building Fund or the Boy Scouts of America have been suggested.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Hospice Alliance nurses, Doreen and Heidi, Dr. Short, Dr. Wisniewski, and Mike Sanchez for their devoted, loving and compassionate care.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888