Obituary: SOMMERS, JOSEPH

Joseph W. Sommers, Jr. 1928 - 2014Joseph W. Sommers, Jr., our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather died March 29, 2014, at the age of 86. He was born January 26, 1928, to Joseph Wilhelm Sommer Sr. and Belle Nason Sommer in Midvale, Utah. He graduated from Granite High School where he excelled in football, baseball, basketball and track. He received the Award of Honorable Mention Quarterback. He married the love of his life, Donna Marie Van Quill on September 27, 1947, in Salt Lake City, Utah and they recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. Together they raised four children. He was an accomplished stone mason and started Sommers Masonry at age 23. He loved his work and his work is an example of his artistic ability. He was humble and his handshake and his word was his bond. His two sons joined him in the business and examples of their work can be seen in Deer Valley, Red Butte Garden and Heritage Park. In 2006 he was awarded the Meritorious Service Award by the Utah Masonry Council. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling and his flower garden. Joe and Donna cherished family celebrations, holidays and birthdays creating many family memories. His family was his greatest joy. He is survived by his loving wife Donna Sommers, children Robyn (Don) Broughton, Jeff (Kathy) Sommers, Jolynn (John) Brems and Lane (Celeste) Sommers, 10 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, brothers Ted Sommers, Neldon Sommers, Scott Sommers, sisters Merla Kelsch and Geraldine Newport. Preceded in death by his parents, sister Faye Goodro, brothers Don Sommers, George Sommer and great-grandson Conner Lloyd. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 4, 2014 at the LDS Church located at 2301 E. Bengal Boulevard (7600 South), Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Viewings will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 3 at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, Utah and on Friday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to services at the church. Interment: Larkin Sunset Gardens. Online condolences welcomed at www.larkincares.com.