John Sommers

John Sommers

John Sommers, born March 25, 1936, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Mary Hergan Sommers and Val Sommers, passed away having lived a life full of service, adventure, love, and deep curiosity.

A proud patriot, John served his country in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division during peacetime. After completing his military service, he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. There, he built lasting friendships with classmates and fraternity brothers, forming a foundation that would support him throughout his life.

John flourished in a long and respected career with Allen Bradley, now Rockwell Automation. His work in electrically engineered systems and later in regional management took him across the country and around the world. His leadership and innovation were recognized by his peers, especially during his tenure as president of the NECC engineering society in the Minneapolis/St. Paul region.

John was a valued and insightful member of the Maple Grove Planning Commission. He continued his legacy of service through active involvement in Kiwanis following his retirement.

John's life was filled with passions that showcased his creativity, love for the outdoors, and spirit of adventure. A talented photographer, he captured the vivid beauty of Florida's birdlife from a kayak near his and Phyllis's canal-side home in Longboat Key. His guests marveled at both his photographs and his knowledge of the local ecosystem.

Golf was a daily joy for John as he was a member at Blackhawk Country Club. But perhaps more than any other pursuit, sailing captured his heart. From building his first sailboat in his woodshop to captaining his family's 36-foot CNC sailboat through the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior, John was truly at home on the water. For over 20 years, he raced Flying Scots with the Monona Sailing Club and competed in regattas with the Inland Lakes Association and the Sarasota Sailing Squadron.

John also loved downhill skiing, and he passed that passion on to his children. A member of the Madison Ski Club, he skied across the western United States and throughout Europe, with cherished memories from the slopes of Cortina and Hemsedal.

Above all, John cherished his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 37 years, Phyllis Lovrien; his four children: Sarah Sommers, Michael Sommers (Minnesota), Jane Sommers (Florida), and Peter Sommers (Kerry- (California); and four grandchildren: Aubry Woksonsommers (Ben), Aaron, Michael, and Parker Sommers. He was blessed with four great-grandchildren: Wyatt, India, Elijah and Veronica Woksonsommers. He also leaves behind his beloved sister, Florence Garland Weinhold.

John Sommers will be remembered as a man of quiet strength, generous spirit, and unwavering love for his family, community, and the natural world. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the passions he shared. John will be deeply missed by all who knew him!

The family will hold visitation at St Andrews Episcopal Church 1833 Regent St. Madison, Wisconsin 53706, Thursday August 21, 2025, from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Requiem Mass with Eucharist will begin at 12 p.m. Family will hold a visitation Friday at Lakewood Cemetery Minneapolis, Minn., from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Military Honors 12:30 p.m. Entombment and committal private.