Carl R. Sommer

Carl was born on December 19, 1920 in Peoria, IL to Fred W. and Mina L. (Hanssler) Sommer. He married Louise M. Miller on September 9, 1945 in Peoria.

Surviving are his wife of 70 years, Louise; his children, Brian (Patricia) of NSW Australia, Randy (Elaine) of Hopewell, IL, Susie (Bob) Abegg of Dallas, TX, Dan (Renee) of Issaquah, WA; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and three sisters.

Carl was a WWII Army Medical Administrator, both state side and in Europe for four years and five years in the US Army Medical Reserves, holding the rank of First Lieutenant. He attended the University of Wisconsin in 1946, followed by the College of Advanced Traffic in Minneapolis. All of Carl’s business life surrounded transportation. He began working with TP&W Railroad, CECO Steel and Archer Daniels. He worked for R.G. LeTourneau for nine years, and then 27 years at Caterpillar, Inc., where he retired in 1983 as Supervisor of Inbound Traffic in General Offices. He was licensed to practice before the Interstate Commerce Commission and taught Interstate Commerce Law at Illinois Central College.

Carl and Lou enjoyed their summer home in Lac DuFlambeau, WI for over 35 years. They were founding member of Peace Lutheran Church in Arbor Vitae, WI and are members of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Peoria.

Private services were held Redeemer Lutheran Church in Peoria. Burial with military honors was held at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria. Memorials may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church in Peoria or Peace Lutheran Church in 10868 Old 51 N, Arbor Vitae, WI 54568. Arrangements were handled through Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. Online condolences may be made through www.woolsey-wilton.com