Eldor J. Sommer, age 91 of New London, died on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at his home.
Eldor was born on August 11, 1932 the eighth of nine children, on a farm in Larsen to the late Ernest and Ruth (Schroeder) Sommer. He attended grade school at Zion Lutheran School in Fremont. He served his country in the US Army from 1954 – 1956 in the 60th Field Artillery Battalion. He married Patricia James on July 16, 1960. He started working for Ken-Mar Photography in Appleton around 1957. In 1974, he and Patricia opened Sommer Studio in New London, where it prospered for 21 years. Eldor and Patricia were able to provide photographic memories for innumerable weddings, confirmations, families, high school seniors, babies, church, and engagement portraits. He also did various projects for organizations, like Ducks Unlimited and local New London businesses – often times bartering rather than taking payment. He was particularly good at and enjoyed matting and framing photographs. Eldor had many activities, hobbies and interests. He loved woodworking, photography, gardening, travel, snowmobiling, improving his property, planting trees, hunting and bird watching. Eldor had an innate ability to solve any problem that he put his mind to and was never afraid to do the hard work. Beyond all else, however, he valued the time spent with family, friends, and grandkids as the most precious. He was able to attend their concerts, recitals, football, baseball and soccer games, volleyball matches, and swimming and diving meets. Even with his failing eyesight, he happily cheered on each grandchild and took great pride in their accomplishments. Eldor was a member of Zion Lutheran Church for nearly 90 years and recently became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Bear Creek, where he strengthened his Christian faith with Pastor Aric Fenske and his wife Marie at services and Bible study.
Eldor is survived by his wife and soul mate, Patricia; their children, Alisa (Peter) Rumpit, Sara (Joe) DeFuria and Justin (Katy) Sommer; their grandchildren, Connor, Jack, Braden, Kylee, Adrienne, Soleil, and Luke. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Eldor was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Sabra (Todd) Lien; siblings, Art (LaVerne), Elverna (Wilber) Drews, Walter, Clarence (Doris), Louise (Delvin) Spiegelberg, Helen (Henry) Meier, and Margaret (Larry) Spice, and infant sister, Velma.
The Funeral Service for Eldor will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 24, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church (E8010 WI 22) in Bear Creek with Rev. Aric Fenske officiating. The visitation will take place at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery (E9016 Marsh Rd), Fremont. Full military honors will be held at the church.
Eldor and Patricia want to express sincere gratitude to their friends and neighbors, who have supported them and helped them enjoy their property they loved so much.
Though our hearts ache in this moment of loss and he is missed immeasurably, we find solace knowing that he has been welcomed into eternal peace and comfort in the loving arms of the Lord.
Eldor worked tirelessly and selflessly and has finished his earthly projects. He now resides in the house of God, where he will continue to watch over us with the unbounded grace, love, and devotion he had for us all.
Cline & Hanson Funeral Home
209 W. Cook St
PO BOX 119
New London, WI 54961
920-982-3232
www.clinehansonfuneralhome.com