Ernest Allen Sommerfeld, 92, of Olathe, KS, passed away on July 1, 2024.
He was born March 6, 1932, on the family farm in Canton, Kansas, the fourth child of Charles John and Elsie Sommerfeld (née Auernheimer). In 1949, the family moved to Wonsevu, KS.
Ernie graduated from Cedar Point High School in 1950.
On April 5, 1975, Ernie married Mary (née Blake) in Marquette, Kansas. The couple had two children: John and Katrina. Ernie also helped to raise his wife’s children from her previous marriage: Darrel, Penny, and Maryann Willoughby.
Ernie farmed for most of his life across the state of Kansas. He worked for Merrill Christiansen near Durham for 25 years.
Ernie was preceded in death by Mary, his wife of 49 years. He was also preceded by his parents; brothers Cliff, Milford, and Arnie; sister Elda; and daughter Maryann Willoughby.
He is survived by his sister, Ethel Kaiser (Lenexa, KS); brother, Verlin Sommerfeld (Durham, KS); sons, Darrel Willoughby and John Sommerfeld (Biloxi, MS); daughters, Penny Willoughby (Seattle, WA), and Kat Jameson (Independence, MO). He was blessed with nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held at the Canton Community Center, 100 S Main St, Canton, KS at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 13, 2024. The family will receive visitors immediately following the service. A private inurnment will be held at a later date at Valley View Cemetery, Roxbury, KS.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts be made to the Ernest Sommerfeld Memorial Fund through Olson’s Mortuary, PO Box 355, Canton, Kansas, 67428.