John ?Jay? Peter Sommer, V

John "Jay" Peter Sommer, V. (31) sadly passed away unexpectedly on January 26, 2023. John or as he was fondly known to many as Jay or Baby Jay was born to Sharon Hildebrand and the late John Sommer, IV on November 5, 1991 in Fairbanks. He was raised early on in Nulato and later in Fairbanks by his parents Sharon and Vernon Hildebrand.

One day walking down the road, Jay met Emily and by the time they reached the intersection they were in love and their destiny was written in cement; they just recently celebrated their ten-year wedding anniversary. Together, Jay and Emily were the proud parents of Levi (11), Aubrey (8) and John, Jr, VI (6).

From a young age, Jay had a mischievous streak and the best sense of humor. He never failed to make those around him laugh. Growing up he had a thing for taking anyone's keys and adding them to his collection at his Grandma Lou's. His Grandma once answered a caller looking for their keys, she told them 'I don't know come check this basket, I think he's got the whole towns keys in there'. He had a gift for repairing small engines ever since he was a little guy. He'd be in his parent's garage taking snowmachines apart and putting them back together, all so that he could go out and ride again.

Jay brought us luck when out hunting and was given the Denaakk'e name Daayeedeno?to? by the late Eddie Hildebrand that meant 'great shot' or 'good shooter'. There wasn't a soul that Jay met that didn't end up being his friend; growing up he could always be found with Leo, Quentin, or Eddie in the University West neighborhoods. He had an easy going way about him that put all at ease. He was kind, generous and thoughtful. He was also the best big brother.

Jay spent some time on the North Slope working for Doyon Drilling, and eventually decided to work in Fairbanks to be closer to his young family. At the time of his passing, he was employed with Tanana Chiefs Conference in the Security and Facilities department.

The tragic loss of such an exceptional man at a young age, with so much vitality and potential, will cast a long shadow for years to come. His memory will live in our hearts forever. There are no amount of words to encompass the whole of who Jay was: precious son and brother, amazing husband and father and a solid friend.

Jay is preceded in death by his father, John P. Sommer IV, grandparents Freda and Jay Schrock, and his special Aunt Mary Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Emily Sommer, children, Levi, Aubrey, and John "Junior" VI; parents Sharon and Vernon Hildebrand, brothers Peter and Anthony Hildebrand and Aaron Smith; grandparents Lawana and John Sommer III, in-laws Lloyd and Joyce Frank, he had numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Friends and family are invited to gather for services on Thursday, Feb. 2, 11 am at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Fairbanks. The family will bring Jay to Minto immediately after, where he will be laid to rest. The Services in Minto will be held at the Community Hall on Feb. 4, 11 am. Potlatch later that evening.