Sommer, David A. (1915-2005)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2005 Feb 28 p. 8

Birth date: 1915 Sep 25

text of obituary:

DAVID A. SOMMER

David A. Sommer, 89, of Santa Ana, Calif., died Feb. 11, 2005. He was born Sept. 25, 1915, to Simon W. and Sarah (Lehman) Sommer at Comins, Mich.

After attending Goshen (Ind.) College for one year, he moved to California in 1936. He worked for six months as a taxi driver and for 41 years as a machinist for U.S. Electric Motors and for the Los Angeles Community Colleges.

He married Margaret Carlson on Aug. 21, 1938. Later that year, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized at Calvary Mennonite Church in Los Angeles. He served the Lord as a Sunday School teacher, deacon and quartet member for many years at Immanuel Mennonite Church in Downey.

After retirement in 1980, he was busier than ever even though he struggled with the complications of diabetes. He was never too busy to soothe a grandchild, provide advice and fun activities for older grandchildren, aid all who needed help with household repairs, serve elderly folk through Meals on Wheels, to serve wherever there was need and to provide hospitality for all in his path. He always loved to praise the Lord through music, especially singing hymns around the piano at family gatherings. He said that since we know there will be music in heaven, time spent in musical training and expression is of eternal value.

Survivors include a sister, Alma Crilow of Goshen, Ind.; a son, John and his wife, Jan, of Newton, Kan.; two daughters, Arlene Fortney of Upland and Karen Dirks and her husband, Dennis, of Fullerton; six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; and eight brothers and sisters. Memorial services were held at Community Bible Church in Santa Ana.