LaVerne A. (Gruetzmacher) Sommer

LaVerne (99) was called to her heavenly home on June 9, 2026. She was a beloved wife, the proud mother of five, grandmother of thirteen, great-grandmother of twenty, a sister, and a friend who leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and love.

LaVerne was born on November 6, 1926, at home to Rufus and Almeda Gruetzmacher (New London, WI). She was baptized, confirmed, and married at St. John’s Lutheran Church. LaVerne was a devoted sister who helped care for her eight siblings and she remained deeply connected with them throughout her life.

After graduating from New London High School in 1944, she moved from the family farm to Appleton and worked in the downtown office of the former AAL.

On October 9, 1948, LaVerne married the love of her life, Art Sommer, sharing 64 wonderful years of marriage. They built their home in Appleton, and it remained the family gathering place for 67 years.

LaVerne was a member of Faith Lutheran Church since 1953. She participated in Bible study, quilting, and she always remembered her daily devotions and prayers. She loved seeing her growing family filling more than one whole church pew for Christmas Eve services.

LaVerne was a skilled seamstress sewing clothes for her children, Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, and doing alterations for others including wedding alterations at MarGee’s Boutique. She loved baking, canning, camping, traveling, square dancing, games, collecting dolls, puzzles, watching Lawrence Welk, crafting, and card making. She preserved family history in her large collection of detailed photo albums and scrapbooks. She treasured time at the family cottage on Big Lake and enjoyed mother-daughter getaways. She made wonderful meals and created lasting memories for everyone gathered around her big dining room table, especially for the holidays.

LaVerne was preceded in death by her husband Art; her parents; brothers Eldor (Mary) and Harold (Lorraine) Gruetzmacher, sister Dolores (Paul) Westphal, brothers-in-law Aaron Pankow, Fred Huebner, Lester Quandt; Art’s siblings Elverna, Clarence, Lousie, Helen, Eldor, Wally and Margaret.

She is survived by her children Karin (Terry) Braxton, Karla Boncher, Kris (AJ) VanLith, Keith (Corinne) Sommer, Kara (Rob) Bergenthal; her grandchildren Sara (Andre) Ferrigno, Andrew (Rachel) Braxton, Jon (Millie) Braxton, Stephanie (Mike) Mauthe,  Scott (Courtney) Boncher, Kyle (Blair) VanLith, Alyson (Brian) Enders, Ashley Van Lith, Collin (Jessica) Sommer, Shelby (Tyler) Raschke, Sam Rossmeissl, Lucy (Graham) Schroeder, Bo (fiancé Jordan) Bergenthal; her great grandchildren JP, Dominique, Jonathan, Grace, Jack, Max, Bo, Kate, Chase, Ruby, Beck, Grey, Cecilia, Stella, Adrian, Nash, Cade, Braylee, Oliver, Elouise; her siblings Ruth Pankow, Carol Huebner, Daniel (Sue) Gruetzmacher, David Gruetzmacher, Sandy Quandt; sister-in-law Patricia Sommer; many nieces and nephews; and special family friend Kathy Filen.

LaVerne’s legacy lives on in the family she loved so dearly, her faith, traditions she created, and the countless lives she touched.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff and volunteers of ThedaCare Hospice, especially Julie who is an angel on earth; and the compassionate staff of Helen’s House for their care, support and kindness.

A celebration of LaVerne’s life will be at Faith Lutheran Church, 601 E Glendale Avenue, Appleton, on Monday, June 22, at 11 AM, with Pastor Jim Wiebel presiding. A time of visitation will be held on Monday, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. A private family entombment will be at Highland Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Faith Radio Ministry. For online condolences and memories, please visit www.valleyfh.com.

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