Robert Francis Sommer

Robert Francis Sommer, 74, of rural Rushville, died at 2:20 p.m. on Thursday, July 20, 2006 at St. John’s Hospice. He was born on September 18, 1931 in Springfield, the son of Frank and Eleanor Ervin Sommer. He married Ann Bliesner on February 28, 1953 in Springfield. Robert attended Cathedral High School in Springfield. He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran, having served during the Korean War. In 1958 he began selling life insurance for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company until 1983, when he started his own company, Sommer Insurance Services, which he operated until the time of his death. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, horses and traveling. He enjoyed being a grandfather and attending his grandchildren’s baseball games. He also loved cooking and preparing large Sunday meals for his family. His brother John Sommer, died on July 21, 2006 and he was preceded in death by his brother Carl Sommer. He is survived by his wife: Ann Sommer of rural Rushville; four daughters: Patti (husband, Greg) Davidsmeier of Gillette, WY, Debra Warden of Beardstown, Gayle (husband, Kevin) Brough of Rushville and Dawn Sommer of Gillette, WY; three sons: Michael Sommer and Mark Sommer both of Rushville and Marty (wife, Connie) Sommer of Springfield; seven grandchildren; four sisters: Mary Lou (husband, Roger) Mitchell of Sun City Center, FL, Rita “Dolly” (husband, Jim) Goldsby of Peoria, Barbara (husband, Mark) Root of Chatham and Sharon (husband, Bob) Metz of Peoria; two brothers: Kenneth (wife, Mary Kay) Sommer of Springfield and Ronald Sommer of Springfield and several nieces and nephews. Cremation accorded by the Cremation Tribute Center, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. A Memorial Gathering will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, July 31, 2006 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. The Memorial Gathering will begin with prayer at 4:00 p.m. Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 1, 2006 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut, Springfield, with Rev. David Hoefler celebrant. Memorial Contributions may be made to: St. John’s Hospital, Hospice Program, 800 E. Carpenter, Springfield, IL 62702. The family of Robert Francis Sommer is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.