TOMAH - Gary D. Sommerfield, age 75, of Tomah, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Black River Memorial Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. Gary was born on August 3, 1948, in Sparta, Wisconsin, to George and Irma (Gruen) Sommerfield.
Gary graduated from Tomah High School in 1966 and soon after, he embraced the family tradition of farming. His industrious nature led him to a brief tenure at Toro before he started to work as a service technician and salesperson at 7-up, where he dedicated 13 years of his life. Gary’s commitment to his work was further evidenced by his 23 years at EXOPack, from which he retired on September 31, 2016.
On September 7, 1974, Gary married the love of his life, Charmaine Zellmer, in West Allis, Wisconsin. Their union was blessed with nearly 50 years of shared travel, laughter, and love.
An avid outdoorsman, Gary enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and boating. He had a special place in his heart for his grandkids and loved every opportunity he got to spend with them whether it was at their sporting events or other activities. His love for adventure was evident in the spontaneous family trips, decided by the flip of a coin. A loyal fan of the Green Bay Packers, Gary’s enthusiasm for his team was infectious. In quieter moments, he could be found engrossed in his favorite old Westerns, with a special fondness for “Gunsmoke.”
He is survived by his devoted wife, Charmaine; his three children: Tammy (Derrick) Johnson of Trempealeau, Brad Sommerfield of Tomah, and Jennifer (Wade) Suhr of Tomah; his grandchildren, McKenna and Aiden Johnson, Gavin Suhr, and Aspen Sommerfield; his sister, Sherrie (Walter) Spolum; and his nieces and nephew, Karla Spolum, Kari (Brad) Steffen, and Kurt (Jobi) Spolum; along with other cousins, relatives, and friends who will miss him dearly.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Merle Sr. and Ruth Zellmer; grandson, Brennen Suhr; nephew-in-law, Jorgen Nelsen; and brothers-in-law, Merle Jr. and Gregory Zellmer.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024, 2:00 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Pastor Alyssa Weaver will officiate. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home on Friday. The Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneral.com.
Torkelson Funeral Home
