Otto Laverne Sommer

Otto Laverne Sommer

Otto Laverne Sommer died Tuesday (Jan. 24, 2006) at Friendly Acres/Asbury Park in Newton. He was born Feb. 18, 1919, to Christian and Selma Suter Sommer in Crawfordsville, Iowa. He married Lillian Wenger Sept. 17, 1944, in Lancaster Pa. She preceded him in death Aug. 14, 1998. Otto met his wife Lillian in Akron, Pa., while in Civil Public Service. They came to Newton so he could finish his education at Bethel College where he graduated with majors in math and physics in 1948. He was employed by Midland Mutual Fire Insurance Co. in Newton until 1967. At that time, he relocated in Oklahoma, retiring as comptroller for the Oklahoma City YMCA in 1982.

While in Newton, he was an active member of Bethel College Mennonite Church. He transferred his membership to the Westminster Presbyterian Church when he moved to Oklahoma and had been attending the First Presbyterian Church in Newton for the past several years. He joined Kiwanis in 1955, serving in various positions, and was very proud of his 50-year award, which he received last year.

Music was an important part of his life. He enjoyed singing in numerous groups including church choirs, barbershop quartets and especially the OKC Canterbury Choir. He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and always looked forward to the start of baseball season.

Survivors include: four daughters, Martha Berner of Kansas City, Anita and Jim Monarez of Newton, Ruth and Terry Kampmeier of Oviedo, Fla., and Sharon and John Stauffer of Tucson, Ariz.; two sons, Richard and Judy Sommer of Littleton, Colo., and Gerald Sommer of San Diego; a sister and brother, Dora and Ken Hostetler of Hesston and Irvin and Lois Sommer of San Leandro, Calif.; 10 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be 4 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church in Newton.

Committal will be at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City.

Petersen Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.