Thomas C. Sommer

Thomas C. Sommer, 68, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2017. Born June 9, 1948, in Decatur, Ind., he was the son of the late Robert C. and Artina Sommer. He attended Concordia Lutheran Grade School, Concordia Lutheran High School, and Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Ill. He did graduate work in philosophy at American University, Washington, D.C. He was currently a member of Bethany Lutheran Church. He taught fifth and sixth grades at St. John's Lutheran School in Hamlin, N.Y. He was principal and seventh and eighth grade teacher at Trinity Lutheran School, Fort Wayne, and Bethlehem Lutheran School, Ossian, Ind. Between teaching positions, he worked as a Systems Analyst for Mueller Associates. in Baltimore, Md., where his early research in alternative energy sources became a report for the U.S. Department of Energy. He later worked as Vice President of First National Bank of Huntington, Ind. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Wanda; daughters, MaryAnne of Fayetteville, N.C. and Elizabeth and son-in-marriage Jon Rehwaldt of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Gwendolyn, Elinor, Lillian, and Oliver; sister, Vicky (Dale) Best; brothers, Jeff and Rob (Becky); nephews, nieces and cousins. He was also preceded in death by his infant children, Ruth, LeAnna, and Andrew. Funeral service is 11 a.m. Saturday, May 27, 2017, at Bethany Lutheran Church, with visitation one hour prior. Visitation also from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 26, 2017, at the church. Burial at Concordia Cemetery Gardens. Preferred memorials may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church.