Sommerfeld, Leonhart Frederick (1875-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Oct 27 p. 8

Birth date: 1875 Dec 29

text of obituary:

LEONHART SOMMERFELD

Leonhart Frederick Sommerfeld, son of Heinrich and Anna Schroeder Sommerfeld, was born on Dec. 29, 1875, on the farm near Goessel, Kan. Where his parents homesteaded when they came from Russia. He was called to his eternal home by his Lord on Tuesday morning, Sept 20, 1955, at the age of 79 years following a long period of failing health, during which time he was tenderly cared for by his devoted wife and daughters.

In his youth Leonhart moved with his parents to the Canton community where the remainder of the years of his services to the church and to society were offered and where he accepted Christ as his personal Saviour and became affiliated with the Spring Valley Mennonite Church.

His lifetime of hard work and of helpfulness among his neighbors and friends, and his interest in the welfare of his family will remain cherished memories.

Surviving members of his family include his devoted companion of 49 years, the former Lottie McNees, to whom Leonhard was united in marriage at Canton, on Oct. 28, 1906; his daughters, Mary Aline and Rachel Mae; five sisters, Mrs. Anna Pankratz, Miss Mary Sommerfeld, Miss Katheryn Sommerfeld, Miss Helen Sommerfeld and Miss Agnes Sommerfeld, all of Canton; his three sisters-in-law, Mrs. Henry H. Mrs. John H. and Mrs. Jacob J. Sommerfeld of Hesston; his brother-in-law, Rev. P. P. Buller of Newton, many nieces and nephews and the many friends he has made during his lifetime in this community.

The memorial service was conducted by Rev. Milo Kauffman and Rev. Charles Diener on Thursday, Sept. 21, 1955, at 2:00l o’clock, from the Spring Valley Mennonite Church. “Abide With Me,” “I’m A Child of The King” and “Take My Hand Precious Lord,” were sung by John Wenger, Charles Louks, Allen Bitikofer and LeRoy Bitikofer.

His final resting place is the Canton Cemetery.