Don's Funeral Service Video

Don's Memorial Video

Donald G. Sommer, 76 years old, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday April 25, 2024, while partaking in Trivia Night with many of his close friends at The Waters Supperclub in New London, Wisconsin. Don was born in New London on October 21, 1947; one of five children, to the late Edwin and Adelia (Thompson) Sommer. Don wed Mary Marasch on April 1, 1967, and had just recently celebrated their 57th anniversary.

Don started his restaurant career with Sommer Place in New London, along with Sommer Place Too, in Manawa, followed by Sommer's Midtown, in New London, where he and Mary served for 30 years. He worked for New London Utilities until his retirement. Don was a very active member of the Waupaca Bass Club and numerous other organizations, holding many positions over the years. Though not a member of Shamrock Club, he and Mary were once crowned Honorary Irish Man and Irish Rose in 1999. In his free time, Don loved fishing, gardening, and his English Setters.

Don will be remembered as an entertainer, telling fish tales wherever he went, and leaving smiles on the faces of everyone he met.

Don will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Mary; his children, Ted (Jodi) Sommer, Rebecca (Patrick Allen) Sommer, and Sara Sommer; his special niece Tammy Bork and her husband Terry; his grandchildren, Henry Allen and Daniel Allen; and his siblings, Curt (Marilyn) Sommer, and Bonnie Kohl; in-laws, Marty (Katie) Marasch, Mike (Sheila) Marasch, Mark (Kristie) Marasch, and Anne Kidd; along with step-siblings, Dorothy (Dick) Peterson, Mary Zimmerman, and Jim (Marcia) Malliet.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Adelia; his brother, Orin (LaVonne), and infant brother, Ted; and in-laws, Greg Kohl, John Kidd, Milton (Nancy) Marasch, and Ray (Shirley) Malliet.

Don's family would like to thank their friends at The Waters and the ThedaCare Hospital staff for their help during this tragic time.

The Funeral Service for Donald will start promptly at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London with Fr. John Kleinschmidt officiating. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until the time of service. There will be time to visit with the Sommer Family along with the Water's Family after the service at The Water's Supperclub.