John M. "Mike" Sommerer III

Mr. John M. "Mike" Sommerer III, age 74 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Sunday, February 8, 2015, at home surrounded by his family and loved ones after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Mike was born January 24, 1941, in Jefferson City, Mo., the son of John M. and Jean Huhman Sommerer. He was married on October 25, 1993 in Servierville, Tenn., to Delores Jeannea "Jay" Jarvis. A lifelong resident of Jefferson City, Mike's first employment was working for the Sommerer-owned bakery, Jefferson City Baking Company, while he was in high school. Mike graduated from Jefferson City High School in 1959 and was a fledgling member of the 59er Club. He attended Lincoln University and Drury College before entering the United States Navy. Mike served in the United State Navy during the Vietnam Conflict and was honorably discharged in 1969. After his service to our country, Mike returned home to become a salesman for Snap-On Tools and later was employed by Broom Auto Service until its closure. He retired from St. Mary's Health Center. Mike was a past president of the Jefferson City Jaycees and was a member of the American Legion, Roscoe Enloe Post 5 and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Roy Sone Post 1003. Mike loved to travel both by car and train and that love carried into him being a model car and train collector. He loved racing cars and watching NASCAR as well and was able to attend the Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500 during his life. Friends and family will remember Mike as a great cook, especially when he helped smoke and fry turkeys for employees of St. Mary's during the holidays. He cherished time barbequing and enjoyed having friends and family at his home for cookouts. He always wanted friends to try his home grown tomatoes and peppers. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Jay; three sons, Michael Sommerer of Jefferson City, Matt Sommerer of Jefferson City, Matt Pitts of Centertown; three step-children, Buddie Jarvis (wife Kim) of Holts Summit, Mo., Sherrie Jarvis of Jefferson City, and Troy Jarvis of Liberty, Mo.; three sisters, Jean Wagner of Oxnard, Calif., Kathy Sale of Jefferson City and Judy Palazzari of Jefferson City; two grandchildren, Ashley Sommerer of California, Mo. and Garrett Sommerer of Jefferson City; seven step-grandchildren; one step-great-grandson; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Mary "Sissy" Bremmerkamp. Visitation will be at Freeman Mortuary from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 11, 2015. A Celebration of Mike's Life will be conducted at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 11, 2015 in the Freeman Chapel with military honors immediately following the service. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Disabled American Veterans Association (DAV). Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com