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John Sommer

Image by Nick Andréka

JOHN HAROLD SOMMER

September 12, 1939 – April 6, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Harold Sommer of Winnipeg, formerly of Rosenfeld and Altona, Manitoba on April 6, 2024.  


John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Erica, daughters Lisa (Jon), Krista (Chris) and Rachel (Stuart) and grandchildren, Noah, Heath, Piper and Finn. John was predeceased by his parents Edward and Elinor Sommer and sister Connie. 


John spent most of his life farming and in retirement enjoyed winters in Arizona and spending time at the lake with family. John enjoyed camaraderie with friends, helping people and good meals with family and friends. 


John will be forever loved and remembered.


John’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.


ETHICAL DEATH CARE

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530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Cheryl Adlard

May 10, 2024 at 9:44 AM

John will be deeply missed at Laclu. I have so many memories of him on the back deck and always welcoming a visit. Plus I will imagine him on a tractor fixing the roads in heaven. Our condolences to all of the family, he leaves a huge whole in your lives.

Lynne Martel

May 10, 2024 at 9:43 AM

My heart goes out to you Erica....saw you were married 58 years....I still remember your wedding.  John was such a friendly gentle man...always had a smile on his face.  My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.

Bob Hiebert

May 10, 2024 at 9:42 AM

Lisa and family I'm so sorry to hear this. We had so much fun together. Camping and fishing at Rock lake and the boat got swamped. And many more good times. Hugs to you all.

Cindy

May 10, 2024 at 9:35 AM

What a special man John was.  I remember my visits to the farm, then Altona and then Winnipeg.  He was always so generous with his time (touring me around the farm, and proudly showing off his house in Altona..there was something he was really keen on in the basement...the water heater maybe???).  Gosh, he was so kind and always had a smile and a funny story, and was always interested in how I was doing, and how my family was doing.  A real gem of a person.  Sending all the Sommers much love and prayers. 

Mary Ann & Art Wiebe, Rosenfeld

May 10, 2024 at 9:34 AM

Thanks for being our neighbor, John! We appreciated your positive out look on life, your contribution to your church, and our village community.


Our sincere thoughts & prayers are extended to Erica, and family while you travel through this valley in your life’s journey!

Anonymous

May 10, 2024 at 9:34 AM

Thank you , Cheryl, for your condolences. Yes, he leaves a huge hole in our lives. We can’t believe he’s gone. He enjoyed visits on the back deck with you and We also can imagine him fixing the roads in heaven ! We will miss our visits at Laclu.

Laurie & Carol Schroeder

May 10, 2024 at 9:33 AM

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Erica and your family! John’s soft spoken demeanour will always be remembered by us! Take care.

John and Gerrie

May 10, 2024 at 9:33 AM

Rachel - We are so sorry to hear about your dad.  I love reading Cindy’s note to you.  Your dad obviously made an impression on her!  Much love and hugs from your Wester Foster Parents. 

Larry and Martha Friesen

May 10, 2024 at 9:33 AM

Our deepest condolences to Erica and family on the passing of John. He was truly a very friendly and soft spoken man! We enjoyed visiting with you both when we came to see you in Mesa Spirit in Arizona! He will be missed! Take care!

Bryan & Shannon De Baets & family

May 10, 2024 at 9:25 AM

We were all so sorry to hear about John’s passing.  Such a jovial person. He was always so friendly.  Whenever we happened to be visiting mom and dad and they called, both he and Erica were so interested in what was happening in our lives.  Genuine salt of the earth good people!!  John’s love of farming was also very evident.  He always wanted to know how things were going on our farm. He loved the pictures we sent of the machinery working, or the combines parked in the sunset.  Now as a new season begins we will feel that void and think of you Erica and your family as we know your loss is immense!!  Hold all your memories close, know that he loved you all deeply and in turn was loved by so many who were fortunate to know him!!

Denise & Lenny

May 10, 2024 at 9:24 AM

My first memory of Johnny was during the transition on the farm as our family moved from the little yellow house to the big White House, displacing Auntie Ellie and John. He was always a kind and gentle presence. My dad Wally and Uncle Harold were like his older brothers. Still remember when my sisters told me he was our cousin, not our uncle! As children we would find little treasures of his in the cubbyhole: books with his name, writings and drawings left behind after the move. We farmed along side him and Erica, harvested together at times, stopping for supper on the field. He was easy going, always positive and soft spoken. We’ve missed him since he retired, moved to Winnipeg and miss him even more now.

Our condolences, With love.

Bill & Margaret

May 10, 2024 at 9:23 AM

Our sincere condolences to you Erica and your family! Remembering the good times we had together, many years ago, going for Chinese together with John and you, as well as Hank and Ellen, Wishing you God's comfort and strength as you go on from here.


Greg & Meredith

May 9, 2024 at 4:25 PM

Our deepest sympathy to Erica, Lisa, Krista, Rachel and their families.  We were saddened to hear of John's passing, we remember him fondly from our visit.


Carol De Baets

May 9, 2024 at 4:21 PM

My deepest sympathy to you Erica and your family!    We enjoyed wonderful times at Mesa Spirit with you and John!    He was such a genuine, friendly and caring guy who made us feel so at home when we spent several years in Mesa!     Hopefully the warm memories and gratitude for this wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend to all will help to lessen the immense sorrow you feel for your great loss!   

Melvin & Elaine

May 9, 2024 at 4:20 PM

So sorry for your loss Erica and family. Sincere condolences ❤️


Roger Leuzinger

May 9, 2024 at 4:19 PM

John was a great friend for over 70 years as we both grew up in the Rosenfeld / Horndean area. Many wonderful days of fishing and lately many fabulous breakfasts with his mostly retired buds will forever be remembered I am sure. Rest in Peace old friend--till we meet again.

Nicole

May 9, 2024 at 4:19 PM

'm deeply saddened to hear this news. My heartfelt condolences to Erica, Rachel, Krista, and Lisa. Both John and Erica have struck me to be some of the kindest and most thoughtful people I've known. ♥️ 

Bob and Annette

May 9, 2024 at 4:14 PM

Condolences Erika and family. So sorry for your loss. We had so many good times together and always in our thoughts. Hugs 

Marla Letkeman (Fast)

May 9, 2024 at 4:13 PM

Deep and heartfelt condolences to you all. 

Abe & Betty

May 9, 2024 at 4:10 PM

We find this death as a very deep loss. John was such a good friend; so caring and helpful and made people feel respected, cared for and appreciated. We will never forget his warm smile and kind words.  John and Erica were the best neighbours one could have, having met just over five years ago, and we still feel so close to them. Wishing you well, Erica and family. God's blessings to you. This is a terrible tragedy. We want to remain friends.


Anonymous

May 9, 2024 at 4:06 PM

Condolences to Erica and her family !! I agree with everyone else , Johnny was one of the nicest men in town ! Remembering YOU !

Blaine Recksiedler

May 9, 2024 at 3:44 PM

My deepest condolences to Erica and family.

Whether it was at the farm, grain elevator or coffee shop, John shared his kindness through his welcoming smile. Upon reflecting back, I recognize how special this is.

Thank you John, for your peaceful presence.


Càrole & Wayne Bower

May 9, 2024 at 3:41 PM

Our deepest condolences to Erica and families.

We met John & Erica in Arizona and have been

good friends ever since. John was always there

to lend a helping hand whenever needed.

We have so many wonderful memories which we

will keep close to our hearts, our breakfasts at

Saisburys, Chinese dinners and our many phone calls.

You touched the hearts of everyone you knew.

Erica, Lisa, Krista, Rachel and families, you have lost

a husband,father,grandfather. We have lost a man

with a Heart of Gold who would give you the shirt off

his back.

Rest in peace John.

John & Lil Gerbrandt

May 9, 2024 at 3:41 PM

Our deepest condolences to Erica and family.

We enjoyed the many card nites and bar-b-q’s we had at Mesa

Spirit, also enjoyed the suppers we had together in Wpg:

John will be dearly missed by many friends.


Jack and Mary Siemens

May 9, 2024 at 3:38 PM

Dear Erica and cherished family,

Condolences to you on the passing of your loving husband and dear dad..We are sorry and sad for your huge loss. We treasure the precious memories of remarkable times spent together during the many wonderful teaching years in Rosenfeld..

We pray and trust that our heavenly Father will"strengthen,,help and uphold you with His victorious right hand" as you encounter these difficult days of mourning and grieving the loss of your loved one,John.

With our love and prayers,

Art and Gertie King

May 9, 2024 at 3:38 PM

Our sincere sympathies to Erica and all the family. We were blessed by meeting John and Erica when we first arrived at Mesa Spirit almost 20 years ago. They were both so help helpful to us.  In the past few years we have enjoyed many Pancake House breakfasts together here in Winnipeg. John will be greatly

missed.


Tim Martens

May 9, 2024 at 3:37 PM

Condolences to you all during this time of loss.

Ronald (Ron) and Judy Smith

May 9, 2024 at 3:36 PM

Judy and I wish to express our sincere condolences on to you, Erica and your family. As a Joy Lutheran Church member, I remember seeing John and you at our Sunday services. My first meeting with John was at an OWLS breakfast at Smitty's when we joined you and John at a table. I was immediately taken by his warm smile and and friendly presence sharing his farming and cottage experiences. We have missed those conversations. May our good Lord give you peace and understanding as you grieve John's passing!


Stef Radcliffe (Née Martel)
And Tim, Blake & Shea

May 9, 2024 at 3:22 PM

Uncle John was a gentle, kind-hearted and generous man.  As a child, visiting the Sommer farm in Rosenfeld, our family would be warmly welcomed and generously hosted; the nights of laughter around the Christmas tree and dining room table are some of my very best memories!  As an adult, I look back on these days and marvel at how my Uncle John and Tante Erica created such a loving space, and then opened their arms to invite their family and friends in.  This was such a gift.  Uncle John loved well, and he will be missed.

Jane & Gary Nickel

May 9, 2024 at 2:57 PM

Sincere sympathy to Erica & her family.

May wonderful memories of the past bring you comfort as you miss John’s presence.

Anonymous

May 9, 2024 at 1:05 PM

For Erica and the family.   I am so sorry for your loss.  There are so many wonderful memories of our friendship.  My sincere sympathy.

Norm Nikkel

May 9, 2024 at 12:41 PM

John was one of the best friends i had until we finished school in Rosenfeld. A very nice person, always showing us that great, big smile. Best regards to Erica and family .

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Ethical Death Care (Death Care Services Inc.) is privately, independently, and locally owned. Shane Neufeld and the original team of Integrity Death Care own and manage this organisation.

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