Jerome “Jerry” M. Sommer, age 76 of Beaver Dam, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at home on Sunday, July 1, 2018 after a battle with cancer.
Jerry was born in Beaver Dam on September 29, 1941, the son of Clem and Eleanor (Jarogoske) Sommer. After high school graduation, he hitchhiked to Texas to visit friends, then joined a combine crew and followed the wheat harvest to North Dakota. Jerry then enlisted in the United States Army, and was stationed in Germany for three years. On June 27, 1970 he married Jeanne Bye in LeRoy, MN. He worked at John Deere in Waterloo, IA, then moved back to WI where he worked at Cal Can in Lomira, and then at Green Giant in Beaver Dam until his retirement. Jerry then held various truck driving jobs including over the road. Jerry always enjoyed driving, across the US and back again. He liked camping with their Volkswagen campers, fly fishing, as well as keeping his car fleet immaculate. Jerry was a natural at pub trivia with the Senior Class Team at Park Ave Sports Café. Many people will remember him for his quick wit and sense of humor.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Jeanne Sommer of Beaver Dam; daughters, Heather (Michael) Sommer of Lodi and Jennifer (Alex) Smith of Beaver Dam; son-in-law, Brian Fitzpatrick; brothers– and sisters-in-law, Evie (Tom) Alberts, Tom (Pam) Bye, Jim (Judi) Bye, Mary (Joe) Barbarossa, Mike Bye, John Bye, and Julie Bye; and further survived by other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Holly Fitzpatrick; and other relatives.
A memorial gathering will take place on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd, Beaver Dam, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 1:00 p.m. with Fr. Mike Erwin officiating.
If desired, memorials in Jerry’s name may be directed to the UW Foundation/ Holly Sommer-Fitzpatrick Memorial Scholarship Fund or American Cancer Society.
Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family. You may send private online condolences or sign the family’s guest book at www.cstonefs.com.
