William Arthur Sommer

William Arthur Sommer, 76, of Seattle, WA, and formerly of Aberdeen, SD, passed away at his home in Seattle on Christmas Eve, 2014.

His graveside committal service will take place at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 7, 2015, at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, with Father Melvin Kuhn presiding.

Military rites will be conducted by Sidney L. Smith American Legion Post #24 of Aberdeen.

Schriver's Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, January 6th, at the mortuary.

Friends may sign his online guestbook at schriversmemorial.com.

William was born to Anthony and Edith (Kail) Sommer in Aberdeen, SD on June 22, 1938. This is the area where he was raised and attended Sacred Heart Catholic Parish.

William served his country in the United States Army for two years, during which time he was stationed in France. Following his honorable discharge, he spent most of his adult life working for the United States Postal Service in Minneapolis, MN.

After his retirement, William moved to Seattle, WA, where he resided with his wife, Kathleen Sommer, and began a long relationship with the Edmonds Lions Club. William made many contributions to his community; including assisting with scholarship applications, and organizing events such as the recent Dakota Round Up.

William was best known for being sensible, loyal, hardworking, advocating the value of education and strong ethics, and providing sage advice to his children.

William is survived by Kathleen Sommer, who resides in Seattle, WA; his sister, Lucille King of Edina, MN; his former spouse and mother of his children, Anne Sommer of Burnsville, MN; and his five children: Steven Sommer of Vadnais Heights, MN, Michelle Gruzs of Rapid City, SD, Scott Sommer of Miami, FL, Tom Sommer of Henderson, NV and Christine O'Keefe of Apple Valley, MN.