Obituary

CLIFFORD R. SOMMERFELD 

1926 - 2017 

Obituary 

Clifford R. Sommerfeld, 91, died Friday (March 17, 2017) at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. He was born Feb. 12, 1926, in rural Canton, to John and Elsie (Auernheimer) Sommerfeld. On Aug. 8, 1970, he married Irene M. Talbott in Halstead and she preceded him in death on March 6, 2017. Clifford was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Newton, Burrton American Legion and he retired from the former Hesston Corp.

Clifford served his country in the United States Army in Germany, where he was with the team that liberated Dachow prison and was a Bronze Star recipient. He earned the rank of Tech Sergeant. He enjoyed wood working and building furniture, which he shared with his loved ones. Gardening and camping were activities he enjoyed with his wife. They travelled with their trailer to 48 states and Canada. His family was very important to him and he greatly enjoyed spending time with his loving family and many friends.

He is survived by his son, Dennis (Alice) Sommerfeld of Kansas City, Missouri; daughter, Sandra (Allen) Wilson of Lenexa; step-daughters, Linda (James) Bew of Tyler, Texas and Trudee (Lance) Thornhill of Halstead; brothers, Arnold (Judy) and Verlon (Lillie) Sommerfeld, both of Durham, and Ernest (Mary) Sommerfeld of Marquette; sister, Ethel Kaiser of Wichita; and sister-in-law, Evelyn Sommerfeld of Newton. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Allyson, Matthew, Wesley, Meagan and Erin; and five great-grandchildren: Henry, Jack, Braxton, Drake and Braydon.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; one sister, Elda Sommerfeld; and one brother, Milford Sommerfeld.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday (March 21, 2017) at Zion Lutheran Church in Newton, with The Reverend Aaron Filipek presiding.

Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday (March 20, 2017) at Petersen Funeral Home, with the family receiving friends form 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Petersen's.

Burial will be in the Halstead City Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church, in care of Petersen Funeral Home.