Jacob Peter "Jake" Sommers, a man whose life was defined by entrepreneurial ambition, enduring friendships, and deep devotion to family, passed away on December 21, 2025, in Thousand Oaks, California, at the age of 91. Born on September 17, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, to Jacob and Ida Sommers, Jake led a full and vibrant life that touched everyone he met.
Jake's journey began in Chicago, where his strong values were formed early. He started his education at St. Paschal's Catholic School, serving faithfully as an altar boy and attending daily Mass, before graduating from Steinmetz High School. He went on to earn a business degree from Bradley University, an achievement that laid the essential groundwork for his future professional path.
A natural leader with a sharp business mind, Jake began his career working for large insurance firms, but his independent spirit soon took over. He took a bold step to found his own insurance agency in Oak Brook, Illinois, where his dedication was quickly recognized when the company won "Agency of the Year". Even after relocating to the West Coast, his drive never faltered; he continued to grow his business, Cutting Edge Insurance, operating with the integrity and commitment that became his trademark.
Jake was a patriot who served proudly in the Army National Guard during the Korean War era, a reflection of his abiding sense of duty. Outside of his professional and military life, Jake was a man of distinct passions. A lifelong enthusiast of the rhythmic precision of drum and bugle corps, he marched with the Norwood Park Drum and Bugle Corps and remained a devoted fan for the rest of his life, traveling with his family to attend the national championships for years.
He found great joy in travel and adventure, particularly through fishing and camping trips that allowed him to connect with nature and spend quality time with his family. Jake grew up fishing as a young boy with his parents and brother. They would fish at many spots along Lake Michigan starting early in the morning before sunrise and later picnicking in the afternoon. He continued this tradition with his own family taking trips to northern Wisconsin, ice fishing in Canada, and many camping trips throughout California.
Though he spent decades enjoying the California sunshine, Jake never forgot his roots. He remained a passionate, lifelong supporter of Chicago sports, rooting faithfully for the Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls, Cubs, and White Sox. His enthusiasm was infectious—especially as an avid volunteer with the Conejo Simi Swim Club, where his distinct voice could be heard over the crowd, cheering on the swimmers.
Above all, Jake valued connection. He maintained close ties with his lifelong friends from Chicago through The Regents Club, proving that distance could not break his bonds of friendship. He will be remembered as a great storyteller with a legendary gift for bringing people together. Jake possessed an incredible ability to reflect on the intricate details of his past, and with his signature booming voice, he would get so excited about sharing the different chapters of his life. His family and friends often heard these cherished tales—sometimes shared more than once—but they were always delivered with the same humor, heart, and enthusiasm that defined him.
Jake is survived by his beloved wife, Flory Sommers, and his legacy lives on through his five children: Rebecca Sommers; Chona Sommers (Cliff O'Brien); Arminda Menke (Sean Menke); Jason Sommers; and David Sommers (Colleen Sommers). He was a proud grandfather to Erica Stahl, Connor Menke, Ryan Menke, and Everett Menke. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Ida Sommers, and his brother, Richard Sommers.
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."
Numbers 6:24-26 NIV
May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him. His family will hold a celebration of life in the spring of 2026 in Chicago, Illinois, returning him to the city he loved so dearly. More details regarding the service will be provided at a later date.
Jake's journey began in Chicago, where his strong values were formed early. He started his education at St. Paschal's Catholic School, serving faithfully as an altar boy and attending daily Mass, before graduating from Steinmetz High School. He went on to earn a business degree from Bradley University, an achievement that laid the essential groundwork for his future professional path.
A natural leader with a sharp business mind, Jake began his career working for large insurance firms, but his independent spirit soon took over. He took a bold step to found his own insurance agency in Oak Brook, Illinois, where his dedication was quickly recognized when the company won "Agency of the Year". Even after relocating to the West Coast, his drive never faltered; he continued to grow his business, Cutting Edge Insurance, operating with the integrity and commitment that became his trademark.
Jake was a patriot who served proudly in the Army National Guard during the Korean War era, a reflection of his abiding sense of duty. Outside of his professional and military life, Jake was a man of distinct passions. A lifelong enthusiast of the rhythmic precision of drum and bugle corps, he marched with the Norwood Park Drum and Bugle Corps and remained a devoted fan for the rest of his life, traveling with his family to attend the national championships for years.
He found great joy in travel and adventure, particularly through fishing and camping trips that allowed him to connect with nature and spend quality time with his family. Jake grew up fishing as a young boy with his parents and brother. They would fish at many spots along Lake Michigan starting early in the morning before sunrise and later picnicking in the afternoon. He continued this tradition with his own family taking trips to northern Wisconsin, ice fishing in Canada, and many camping trips throughout California.
Though he spent decades enjoying the California sunshine, Jake never forgot his roots. He remained a passionate, lifelong supporter of Chicago sports, rooting faithfully for the Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls, Cubs, and White Sox. His enthusiasm was infectious—especially as an avid volunteer with the Conejo Simi Swim Club, where his distinct voice could be heard over the crowd, cheering on the swimmers.
Above all, Jake valued connection. He maintained close ties with his lifelong friends from Chicago through The Regents Club, proving that distance could not break his bonds of friendship. He will be remembered as a great storyteller with a legendary gift for bringing people together. Jake possessed an incredible ability to reflect on the intricate details of his past, and with his signature booming voice, he would get so excited about sharing the different chapters of his life. His family and friends often heard these cherished tales—sometimes shared more than once—but they were always delivered with the same humor, heart, and enthusiasm that defined him.
Jake is survived by his beloved wife, Flory Sommers, and his legacy lives on through his five children: Rebecca Sommers; Chona Sommers (Cliff O'Brien); Arminda Menke (Sean Menke); Jason Sommers; and David Sommers (Colleen Sommers). He was a proud grandfather to Erica Stahl, Connor Menke, Ryan Menke, and Everett Menke. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Ida Sommers, and his brother, Richard Sommers.
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."
Numbers 6:24-26 NIV
May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him. His family will hold a celebration of life in the spring of 2026 in Chicago, Illinois, returning him to the city he loved so dearly. More details regarding the service will be provided at a later date.
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