Lawrence M. Sommer

Lawrence M. Sommer, 94, of St. Libory, IL, born Sept. 19, 1916 in Washington County, IL, died Friday, Nov. 26, 2010 at the Freeburg Care Center in Freeburg, IL.


Lawrence was a lifelong farmer, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a member of St. Liborius Catholic Church in St. Libory, IL and the St. Clair County Farm Bureau.


He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Maria, nee Dingwerth, Sommer; his wife, Antoinette, nee Meier, Sommer, whom he married on Nov. 17, 1942 in Albers, IL, and who died May 28, 2009; two children in infancy, Richard and Karen Sommer; a son-in-law, Ralph Surmeier; a grandson, Darrell Surmeier; siblings, Leonard Sommer and Alberta Wienstroer, and a twin sister, Dorothy Schmidt


He is survived by six children, Eileen Surmeier of St. Libory, IL, Ray (Sue) Sommer of St. Libory, IL, Gerald (Betty) Sommer of Freeburg, IL, James (Jackie) Sommer of Freeburg, IL, Jane Beimfohr of Okawville, IL, and Geralyn (James) Hollis of Charlotte, NC; 17 grandchildren, Lynn (Dave) McCammon, Shelly (Tim) Ryan, Sara (James) Rockaway, Joel Sommer, Ryan Sommer, Megan Sommer, Daniel (Jeannie) Sommer, Matthew Sommer, Becky (Benjamin) Mueth, Jacob (fiancé Amy Killingsworth) Sommer, Kayla Sommer, Melissa Sommer, Valerie (Chad) Lappe, Brent (Hope) Beimfohr, Michael Hollis, Jordan Hollis, and Tanner Hollis; eight great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Emily and Jack McCammon, Connor, Daniel and Meghan Ryan, Rhyan Lappe and Sophia Beimfohr; three step-grandchildren, Mallory and Molly Ludwig, and Olivia Otten; three step-great-grandchildren, Ben, Jake and Sam Rockaway; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Linus and Bernadine Meier, Gene and Esther Dierkes, Lucinda Scheiper, Gervase Meier; and many nieces and nephews.


The family wishes to extend their appreciation to Freeburg Care Center and Hospice of Southern Illinois for the care and kindness given to Lawrence.


In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Liborius Church, Alzheimer’s Assn., or to Hospice of Southern Illinois, Inc.


Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010 at the Moll Funeral Home in St. Libory, IL. A prayer service will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday evening at the funeral home.


Funeral: A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 29, 2010 at St. Liborius Catholic Church with Rev. Dennis Voss officiating. Burial will be in St. Liborius Catholic Cemetery.