John A. Sommer

He is survived by his children Krista (Roger) Grotefendt, Jenny Sommer (Paul Rumengan), Katie (Mark) Neil, and grandchildren Emma, Hannah, Penelope, Miles, and Ethan. He is also survived by Karen (Robert) Christensen, Marjorie (Andrew) Cooke, and Rebecca Sommer. He is preceded in death by his parents Betty (Blanchard) and John Sommer, Jr. and his beloved wife, Barbara J. Sommer.

John was born on May 11, 1947 in Sturgis, MI. and grew up in Battle Creek, MI. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a Masters of Business Management and worked in corporate strategic planning.

His daughters remember him as selfless and loving with a deep devotion to his grandchildren and family. He loved the beauty of northern Michigan and enjoyed swimming in Lake Michigan for hours. He had a passion for science and was a lifelong student.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2019 from noon until 2:00 p.m at the Covell Funeral Home in Traverse City. Friends and family will be invited to share fond memories starting at 12:30. Interment will be at Westlawn Cemetery in Mantua Ohio.

Memorial contributions in John’s memory may be made to the S.P.A.R.K.S. Foundation, a program encouraging children to explore science. Sparksfoundation.org.

Arrangements entrusted to the Covell Funeral Home.