Irene M. Sommerfeld
Obituary
Irene M. Sommerfeld, 93, died, Monday
(March 6, 2017) at Newton Medical Center.
She was born Oct. 11, 1923, in Wichita,
to Henry "Pat" and Anna Christina (Teten) Talbott.
She was the owner/operator of Irene's
Jewelry for many years and a lifetime Halstead resident.
She was also a member of the Zion
Lutheran Church in Newton.
She was very active; serving on many
boards and civic organizations including, but not limited to, The
Warkentine Society, acting as a former chairperson of the Harvey
County Democratic Party, acting as a former President of B.P.O.W.,
Governor's Council for Tourism, Halstead Hospital Board of Directors,
Halstead Historical Society, American Legion Post 231 Auxiliary and
as a Girl Scout leader.
Her election to President of the
Halstead Chamber of Commerce made her the first female Chamber
President in Kansas. She was also considered the local authority on
the 1955 motion picture "Picnic," which was partially
filmed in Halstead and the surrounding area.
On Aug. 8, 1970, she married Clifford
R. Sommerfeld in Halstead, he resides in Newton. Other survivors
include daughters, Linda (James) Bew of Tyler, Texas, Trudee (Lance)
Thornhill of Halstead; step-son, Dennis (Alice) Sommerfeld and
step-daughter, Sandi (Allen) Wilson, both of Kansas City, Missouri;
sister-in-law Marge Talbott of Wichita; five grandchildren; and five
great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by brothers,
Edgar and John Talbott; and sisters, Rosada Tomek-Janda, Verna Lee
Hills and Mildred Huebert.
Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m.
Thursday (March 9, 2017) with the family present to greet friends
from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Kaufman Funeral Home in Halstead.
A funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday
(March 10, 2017) at Zion Lutheran Church in Newton, with Pastor Aaron
Filipek officiating.
Burial will follow at Halstead
Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to the Zion
Women's Auxiliary or Victory in the Valley, in care of Kaufman
Funeral Home in Halstead.
