Carl Sommerer

Carl James Sommerer, age 89, a lifelong resident of Jefferson City, passed away Monday, November 7, 2011 at Capital Region Medical Center. He was born on January 13, 1922, in Jefferson City, the son of the late John M. Sommerer Sr. and the late Lillian M. Eckles. Carl married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Bonnie G. Crismon, July 13, 1946 at Trinity Lutheran Church. She preceded him in death on June 13, 1986. A 1939 graduate of Jefferson City High School, Carl was known for the motto "Fun is the best medicine". He also attended Jefferson City Junior College. Following his four years as an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II, Carl became President of Jefferson City Baking Company which was established by his father in the early 1900s. This bakery, once the largest bread distributor west of the Mississippi, was known for the brand names Mr. Freshie and Hobo Bread. Carl was also President of the Missouri and The Northeast Missouri Bakers Associations. Following his long and illustrious 25 year career at the Jefferson City Baking Company, he was for 30 years a well-known and celebrated Century 21 Realtor. Carl served as Vice-Chairman of the Missouri Housing Development Commission in the early 1970s during the Warren E. Hearnes administration. He was a member of the local VFW, Lions and Elks clubs. Carl also was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church. His passions included poker and gin rummy nights at the Jefferson City Country Club, endless gatherings for his extended family and many friends at his home on Booneville Road, weekends at the family cabin on the Gasconade River, Saturdays in the stands cheering Mizzou Tiger football, relaxing on the couch watching his beloved baseball Cardinals, and "holding court" at the Adcock's CafÈ and Brass Rail. In June of 2010 Carl's lifelong love for swimming was detailed in an article in the Jefferson City News Tribune. A devoted swimmer, Carl boasts an incredible 5,000 miles of laps at the local YMCA. This may be an unobtainable feat for most, but came naturally for a man who cherished the sport from the time he was a child. Truly, he was proud of this achievement. Always a dapper man and quick with a friendly hello, Carl's most cherished passion in life was his wife and five children. Carl made sure his children had the tools to succeed and was forever there when needed. Survivors include his five children: Jeanette Dulle (Jim) of Jefferson City, Carl Sommerer II (Linda) of Mendota Heights, Minn., Joanie Beasley of Jefferson City, Janie Joslin of Jefferson City, and Mark Sommerer (Robin) of Overland Park, Kan. He has nine grandchildren: Paul Dulle (Melissa), Patrick Dulle (Kim), Elizabeth Lott (Brandon), Katie VanHavermaet (Eric), Jonathan Beasley (Diana), Clayton Beasley, Scott Beasley, Paige Sommerer, and Sara Sommerer. There are also 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Bonnie, his one and only brother John Jr., and grandson, Michael Beasley. Visitation will be at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home on Thursday, November 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with a memorial service being held at 12 noon. Following the memorial service, graveside interment with military honors will be conducted at Riverview Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church, 803 Swifts Hwy., Jefferson City, MO 65109 or Knowles YMCA Center, 424 Stadium Blvd., Jefferson City, MO 65101. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main St., Jefferson City, MO 65109, (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at millardfamilychapels.com