Vernon L. Sommerdorf M.D.

Age 88 St. Paul Passed away on October 19, 2009. Survived by wife of 63 years, Norma; daughters, Jean Muirhead, Marianne (Joseph) Dinwiddie, Delores Corey; son, Philip (Linda); 9 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Vernon served as State Representative from the East Side of St. Paul from 1964 to 1972 and practiced as a physician in St. Paul for over 50 years. He was born to Lester and Luella Laugeson Sommerdorf on April 9, 1921 in Brownton, MN. After attending schools in Brownton, Hutchinson and St. Paul, he entered the Civilian Conservation Corps, where he became an assistant to the doctor on his weekly visits and developed his interest in medicine. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1942 and served as a pharmacist mate on submarines. Upon his return in 1945, Vernon attended the University of Minnesota, receiving a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1952. He also met Norma J. Seaquist upon his return, and they were married on December 31, 1946. Following an internship at Ancker Hospital in St. Paul, he practiced medicine at Payne Avenue Medical Associates and Minnhealth Clinic at the Afton Clinic site until 1993. Following recovery from Hodgkins lymphoma in 1993, he worked part time at the University of Minnesota Geriatric Clinic at the St. Paul Wilder facility for 9 Years. Vernon was President of the Ramsey County Medical Society and the Ramsey County Academy of General Practice, as well as chief of staff at Mounds Park Hospital. He served many years as a delegate to both the Minnesota Medical Association and the American Medical Association. He was a member of the PHP Oversight Committee and a member and former president of the Minnesota Academy of Medicine. In 2001, Vernon was recognized for outstanding service to the Ramsey County Medical Society and in 2005 was recognized with their Community Service Award. Over the years, the Sommerdorfs have welcomed foster children, long-term guests in need of a home, and 14 one-year placements as well as 50 to 80 short-term placements from the Youth for Understanding International exchange program. Vernon was an active member of First Baptist Church in St. Paul where he served in numerous leadership positions. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, October 23, 2009 at 1 PM followed by a time of fellowship at FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 499 Wacouta Street, St. Paul 55101 (9th and Wacouta). Visitation Thursday 4-8 p.m. at BRADSHAW 1174 Payne Avenue at Rose. Private family interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorials are welcomed to the Burma Relief Fund c/o First Baptist Church, St. Paul. 1174 Payne Avenue 651-776-1551