The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois

August 9, 1985 - Friday, pg A4

 

 

 

Prophetstown: - Walter A. Sommers, 89, of 321 East Avenue, Prophetstown, died Thursday in the Skilled Care Facility of the Morrison Community Hospital.

 

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m on Saturday in St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Prophetstown with Rev. Vincent Shindelar officiating. Burial will follow in St. Catherine's Riverside Cemetry.  Visitation will be Friday from 6-9 p.m. at the Garner Funeral Home in Prophetstown with a Christian wake service at 8 p.m.

 

Mr. Sommers was born Dec. 25, 1895 in Loraine Township, the son of Rank and Emma Jaquet Sommers. He was educated at Stowell School and served with the U.S. Army in France during World War I.  He married Leona Egert of Loraine Township on Feb. 17, 1919 in St. Mary's Church in Hooppole.  Following World War I,  Mr. Sommers opened and operated Sommers Song Shop in Prophetstown for 52 years during which time he also organized and performed with "The Sommers Gloom Chasers."  Following his retirement in 1974 he remained very active as a musician providing entertainment on a regular basis at area nursing homes, receptions and banquets.  The deceased was a charter member of American Legion Post 522 in Prophetstown, a charter member of the Prophetstown Lions Club and the Prophetstown Boosters, and a life time member of the American Federation of Musicians.

 

Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. Ronald (Diane) Holtz of Gilberts; one son, Richard of Prophetstown; seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Leona in 1976, one daughter, one great grandchild, two sisters and three brothers.

 

A memorial has been established.