Wesley Sommers Obituary

WESLEY S. SOMMERS Wesley S. Sommers, age 78, of Menomonie, WI passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday morning October 08, 2003. He was born Sept. 11, 1925 in Brooklyn, New York and grew up in Harrison, New York the second of two children born to Edwin and Hope (Sherran) Sommers. Wes went to high school in Harrison, NY and graduated from the New York State Maritime Academy in 1945, as a licensed Third Assistant Marine Engineer. He later served as a commissioned Ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Wes met his wife, the former Sally Smith at the University of Michigan, where they were both attending. They married in 1949 and four children were born to this union, David Wesley, Patricia Lynn, Carolyn Ruth and Steven Roy. Wes received his Bachelor of Science degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1950. He received his teaching Certificate in Industrial Education, Mathematics and Science from the University of Michigan in 1951. And he received his Master of Arts in Industrial Education from the University of Michigan in 1955. Wes began his long and distinguished career in education as a high school Industrial Arts teacher in Cadillac, Michigan from 1951 to 1956. In 1956 Wes moved with his family to Menomonie, WI where he accepted a position as Chair of the Industrial Technology Department at U.W. Stout, which he held until 1967. He received his Doctorate in Philosophy of Education, Curriculum and Instruction and Production Management from the University of Minnesota in 1961. During Wes' long and valuable career at Stout he was Special Assistant to the President from 1967 to 1968, Administrator of the School of Home Economics from 1968 to 1969, Assistant to the President from 1969 to 1971, and Assistant Chancellor for Administrative Service from 1971 to 1989. Throughout his career Wes' first priority was service to the students. Following the death of his wife, Sally, in 1989, Wes retired from U.W. Stout and began his "second career" in service to the city of Menomonie. He served on the Menomonie City Council for twelve years. He was on the Mabel Tainter Theater Guild Board and the Chamber of Commerce and he served as Chairman of the Menomonie Airport Commission. He was also a member of Rotary for many years. Wes was a vital member of Grace Episcopal Church, whom he fondly referred to as his church family. In addition to his distinguished career in education Wesley also authored two books, "Creative Design For The Industrial Arts Teacher" and "The Minnesota Plan For Industrial Arts Teacher Education". Much of the beautiful landscaping and grounds at Stout were developed and continued during Wes' tenure at Stout. Wes will long be remembered for his wisdom, humor and loving guidance. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Wes is survived by: His four children, David (Barbara) Sommers of Menomonie Patricia (Paul) Seidlinger of Columbus, WI Carolyn (Heiner) Kleine-Arndt of Neustadt, Germany Steven Sommers of Menomonie His grandchildren, Patrick and Lisa Kleine-Arndt of Neustadt, Germany Alex, Emily and Julia Seidlinger of Columbus, WI A sister-in-law, Sally Sommers of Ithica, NY A special friend, Dorothy "Dot" Burt of Mahtomedi, MN And other relatives and friends He was preceded in death by his mother and father; his wife, Sally Lou; and his brother, Roy and Episcopalian minister. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2003 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Menomonie, with Father George Stamm and Father Sampson Rogers officiating. Friends and family may call from 4:00 to 8:00 PM Monday at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie and at the church one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Grace Episcopal Church.