Larry was born in Monroe February 21, 1952. Ma headed to the pearly gates two weeks before him, possibly to negotiate with St. Peter on behalf of her firstborn son for all his shenanigans, before heading there himself April 9, 2018.
As a child, he read encyclopedias for enjoyment and helped run the family farm.
Larry graduated Monroe High School in 1970, 28th out of his class of 215. After graduation, Larry enlisted in the United States Army on a delayed entry program and went on active duty in March of 1970. After boot camp, Larry went to Ft. Benning to become a paratrooper.
Larry and most of his jump class were sent to Vietnam in March of 1971 where he participated in ground combat missions as part of the very prestigious 173rd Airborne Brigade known as the "Sky Soldiers." Larry was honorably discharged and later served as a member of the National Guard Unit in Monroe. Larry struggled to fight the battles of Vietnam long after his military service. He was a member of the VFW Post 7591 in Madison and VFW Post 2312 in Monroe.
Larry went on to attend UW Platteville, became a licensed field mill technician at Ken's Agri Service, was an over the road trucker and worked construction and painting in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida before returning to Monroe.
Larry loved to cook and kept his mind sharp tackling daily crosswords and Sudoku. He also was a caregiver for our mom until his own health declined.
Larry married Vicki Johnson Broge in 1976. In 1980 he married Vicki Murray Bolz and had a daughter, Ceanne.
Larry received The Quilt of Valor Award April 5 2018; best described as the civilian equivalent of a Purple Heart award.
He leaves behind his daughter Ceanne (Ryan) Paulson in Monroe, brother David (Elizabeth) Sommers in Milford, TX; Clark (Dena) Gordon in New Glarus, sister Heidi Robertson in Monroe, step-sister Pam Anderson, Madison, WI; step-mother Marcella Sommers in Cottage Grove; Grandchildren Kendall, Karis and Kaegann Paulson, and beloved cat Sophie.
Loved ones waiting for Larry are his mother Bernice Gordon, father Laverne "Gus" Sommers, Grandparents Alex and Ella Sutter, Gust and Louise Sommers, brother Tim, Uncle Walter Sutter, Uncle Al Sommers; the last love of his life, Lynndee Caputo, Bud Zeitler who he loved like a brother, step-brother Rick Anderson, cousins Larry and Randy Steinmann, Jimmy Sommers and countless other friends and family.
A private family military burial will be at the family plot in Greenwood Cemetery.
The family requests you join them at the American Legion in Monroe, WI May 5th from 2pm-6pm to toast Larry. We don't want to forget Ma; they are probably arguing with each other already. Larry will be buying one last round; snacks provided. We would also welcome cards with Larry memories be sent to Larry Sommers Family, c/o Ceanne Paulson 2801 6th St Monroe, WI 53566.
Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.
As a child, he read encyclopedias for enjoyment and helped run the family farm.
Larry graduated Monroe High School in 1970, 28th out of his class of 215. After graduation, Larry enlisted in the United States Army on a delayed entry program and went on active duty in March of 1970. After boot camp, Larry went to Ft. Benning to become a paratrooper.
Larry and most of his jump class were sent to Vietnam in March of 1971 where he participated in ground combat missions as part of the very prestigious 173rd Airborne Brigade known as the "Sky Soldiers." Larry was honorably discharged and later served as a member of the National Guard Unit in Monroe. Larry struggled to fight the battles of Vietnam long after his military service. He was a member of the VFW Post 7591 in Madison and VFW Post 2312 in Monroe.
Larry went on to attend UW Platteville, became a licensed field mill technician at Ken's Agri Service, was an over the road trucker and worked construction and painting in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida before returning to Monroe.
Larry loved to cook and kept his mind sharp tackling daily crosswords and Sudoku. He also was a caregiver for our mom until his own health declined.
Larry married Vicki Johnson Broge in 1976. In 1980 he married Vicki Murray Bolz and had a daughter, Ceanne.
Larry received The Quilt of Valor Award April 5 2018; best described as the civilian equivalent of a Purple Heart award.
He leaves behind his daughter Ceanne (Ryan) Paulson in Monroe, brother David (Elizabeth) Sommers in Milford, TX; Clark (Dena) Gordon in New Glarus, sister Heidi Robertson in Monroe, step-sister Pam Anderson, Madison, WI; step-mother Marcella Sommers in Cottage Grove; Grandchildren Kendall, Karis and Kaegann Paulson, and beloved cat Sophie.
Loved ones waiting for Larry are his mother Bernice Gordon, father Laverne "Gus" Sommers, Grandparents Alex and Ella Sutter, Gust and Louise Sommers, brother Tim, Uncle Walter Sutter, Uncle Al Sommers; the last love of his life, Lynndee Caputo, Bud Zeitler who he loved like a brother, step-brother Rick Anderson, cousins Larry and Randy Steinmann, Jimmy Sommers and countless other friends and family.
A private family military burial will be at the family plot in Greenwood Cemetery.
The family requests you join them at the American Legion in Monroe, WI May 5th from 2pm-6pm to toast Larry. We don't want to forget Ma; they are probably arguing with each other already. Larry will be buying one last round; snacks provided. We would also welcome cards with Larry memories be sent to Larry Sommers Family, c/o Ceanne Paulson 2801 6th St Monroe, WI 53566.
Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.