Frieda Sommer Obituary

Frieda E. Sommer

February 4, 1930 - October 20, 2024

Marissa, Illinois - Frieda Emma Sommer, 94, of rural Marissa was born February 4,1930, in Baldwin, IL, and passed away at St. Elizabeth's Hospital on October 20, 2024. Frieda grew up on the family farm in Baldwin, IL, and was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Baldwin, IL. She graduated from Marissa High School, then attended classes in Chicago with her sister, Emilie, to become a dental assistant.

Frieda began her working career as a dental assistant to Dr. Ryland Ayers in St. Louis, and later worked in the Central Office for St. Louis Community College District, at General Dynamics, and finally as a legal assistant for Bryan Cave law firm, St. Louis, until she retired.

She loved music, taught herself to play the piano and accordion, and enjoyed square dancing with her brothers and sister. She traveled to Hawaii with her sisters and nieces and went on an extensive driving tour through the Western states with her two sisters. She often talked of her adventure flying alone to Florida and on to her vacation in the Bahamas. Frieda loved cats and dogs, and enjoyed helping feed the animals on the family farm. Her nieces and nephews remember her as always bringing a little extra fun to all the many family gatherings.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Ferdinand and Emilie (Luebkemann) Sommer; six sisters, Goldie Bollmeier, Lena Behnken, Augusta Ohm, Ella Falkenhein, Mathilda Sommer, Emilie Sommer; four brothers, Fred Sommer, Louie Sommer, Ferd Sommer, Rudolph Sommer; five brothers-in-laws, Arkell Bollmeier, Carl Behnken, Leonard Ohm, Adolph Falkenhein, Joseph Braun; one sister-in-law, Helen Sommer; two nephews, Wayne Behnken, Nolan Falkenhein; one niece-in-law, Debra Bollmeier; three nephews-in-law, Richard Dethrow, Clair Hanson, Martin Wright; one great-nephew, Alexander Cummings.

Frieda is survived by one sister, Leona Braun; eight nieces, Wanda Dethrow, Marla Hanson, Kara Wright, Sandra (Richard) Cummings, Erna (Larry) Sieber, Donna (Kelley) Boyd, Deborah Kennett, Lisa Schaffer; five nephews, Arkell Bollmeier, Robert Braun, Donald Braun, Michael Braun (godson), Barry Sommer; many great- and great-great- nieces and nephews; including her goddaughter, Emilie Cummings.

Frieda will remain in our hearts forever and will be deeply missed, though she is now in her heavenly home with her many loved ones.

Visitation will be at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens Friday, October 25, 2024, from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, October 26, from 9 to 10 a.m. Services will immediately follow at 10 a.m., with Rev. Brian Nowak officiating. Burial will be in the Baldwin City Cemetery. Donations may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, Baldwin, IL.

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, Ill. is in charge of arrangements.