Walter Herbert Sommerfeld

Walter was born January 12, 1926 in Saskatoon to Wilbur and Greta Sommerfeld and lived all of his great life in Saskatoon. The Sommerfelds first arrived in Saskatoon in 1902, and have been a long-time presence ever since in the city with many landmarks, such as Sommerfeld Ave., Louise Ave., and the Sommerfeld Block on Broadway reflecting a long rich heritage in the city. Much of Nutana and Stonebridge now sit on land once owned and farmed by Sommerfeld people.

Walter is survived by his four children Clint (Nancy), Regan, Lisa (Fred), and Chet (Tammy), by grandchildren Kelly, Jamie, Connor and Quinn (Clint), Bishop (Regan), Berlin, Ziyal, and Yeats (Chet), as well as three great grand-children, sister Mildred, brother Len, brother-in-law Doug (Ann) Bishop, sisters-in-law Vera (Ron) and Louise (Keith), and his loving and dearest friend Donna Cone. Walter was pre-deceased by his wonderful wife of 51 years, Elaine (nee Bishop, 2001), and brothers Ron (2009) and Keith (2009).

All those who knew Walt will have many of their own fond memories of him as he was many things to many people, but some of his own fondest memories were of the many wonderful get-togethers of music and reminiscence with his family of siblings, the many wonderful years at his cabin at Waskesiu, the great friendship of the “garage guys” over many breakfasts and garage “meetings”, his racing pigeon flock when he was a young man, his long-time love and appreciation of horses and riding, his membership in the Diamond Club, and working on his classic cars and other building and repair projects too numerous to mention for friends and family. The house he lived in on Murphy Cres. was designed and built by him in 1962 and has served as a great family home for all these years since. Walt was always a perfectionist and was known for doing things right. People came to know him for his dependability and wisdom.

Walt and his brother Keith took over Sommerfeld Electric in 1956 from their father Wilbur and ran it as a successful business for over twenty-five years before turning it over to a new generation of smart, hard-working entrepreneurs in whose capable hands it still exists today. Then Walt and Elaine owned and operated Churchill Hardware for a number of years, and co-owned (with Keith) and operated Main Street Car Wash (built on the property of the original Sommerfeld Electric) right up until 2010. Long hours, hard work, and honesty were their norm and reputation in business.

The family would like to sincerely express their profound appreciation to the RUH “6200” staff. Your care, personal warmth, and professionalism were nothing short of amazing. We cannot thank you all enough for taking such good care of Walt while he was under your care.

The family would also like to extend a special message to Donna Cone. Donna, the relationship you had with Walt these last ten years gave him so much joy, and, in no small measure, your love and care were what kept him going. To see how you lit up his life has been truly wonderful. You have our deepest love and appreciation.

Being ever the humble person in life that he was, it was Walt’s wish that no funeral service be performed. The family would however like to invite Walt’s family, and the friends who felt close to him, to an informal come-and-go reception at his home at 5 Murphy Crescent from 2 PM to 5 PM. In lieu of flowers any donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.

Dad / Grandpa - “ Luvya back!”