Laurene M. Sommers, 95, of Owatonna, Minnesota, died Friday, January 23, 2015 at the New Richland Care Center.
Laurene was born January 24, 1919 in Williston, North Dakota the daughter of Henry and Amanda (Stonke) Hanson. The family moved to Lemond Township in 1929. She graduated from Ellendale High School in 1936 and Mankato State Teachers College in 1938. Laurene taught country school in Lemond Township for 3 years. Laurene married Bernie Sommers on November 15, 1941 at the Methodist Church in Ellendale. They farmed in Lemond Township. In addition to raising children, and helping on the farm, Laurene worked at Federated Insurance for 3 years. Bernie passed away on June 2, 1979. Laurene went to work as a Home Health Aid for 11 years. In 1994, she moved to Owatonna.
She was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church. She served as Sunday School Superintendent, taught Sunday school, active in Ladies Aid and played the church organ for over 50 years. She was also instrumental in creating church programs along with writing poems for others. Laurene was also a member of Extension Club, 4-H Leader, and 4-H parent for 20 years. While her children were in school she was on the Mother’s Club at country school. Laurene loved her family and was dedicated to her grandchildren.
She is survived by her four children, Jerry Sommers of Owatonna, Allan (and Alyce Platt) Sommers of Kasota, Bob (and Andrea Adamson) Sommers of Eden Prairie, and Connie (and Cary) Larson of New Richland; six grandchildren, John Platt, Dan (and Nancy) Platt, Mike (and Mona) Platt, Sara Larson (and fiancé, Jared Preston), Jill Larson, and Erin Larson; seven great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; close family relative, Howard Jacobson; and extended family.She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Bernie Sommers, three infant daughters, Marilyn, Janet, and JoAnn, and a brother-in-law, and sister-in-law.
Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Thursday, January 29, 2015 from 4 to 7 p.m. and one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 30, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Lemond Township with The Reverend Patti Meyer officiating. Interment will be in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Lemond Township. Memorials are preferred to Zion Lutheran Church or donor’s choice.