Harry Sommers

Harry Arnold Sommers was born on July 7, 1934, in St. Paul, Minnesota to Harry and Martha (Newmiller) Sommers. He graduated Woodrow Wilson High School in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1953.  Harry enlisted in the U.S. Air Force from 1953-1957.  He was stationed in Japan and California, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant.  After returning to Minnesota, Harry went to work at Waldorf Paper Company in St. Paul for a short time before going to work for Toro in Bloomington.

Harry was united in marriage to Jenell Wiederhoeft on June 23, 1984, in Fairmont, Minnesota.  During his 25 years at Toro, he worked his way up to Plant Superintendent and helped open plant facilities in Shakopee, Fairmont, and Willmar.  The couple moved to Alexandria in 1987, and Harry was employed by Alex Extrusion for 5 years.  After retirement, the couple found joy traveling with their 5th wheeler to some of their favorite places, including Lake Winnie near Cass Lake, El Reno Resort on Lake Reno, and Little Ajo in Arizona.  Harry loved finding a camping spot near the lake so he could enjoy endless fishing.  To know Harry was to know he shared a love for fishing that he passed down through the generations.  As Harry always said, “Life is Good!” and we all rest a little easier knowing that Harry had a good life.

Harry died on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at his home in Alexandria at the age of 87 under the care of Knute Nelson Hospice.  He is survived by his wife, Jenell; daughters, Wanda (Steven) Wall of Ft. Myers, FL, Julie (Greg) Walling of Phoeniz, AZ, Brenda (Jack) Cudd of Ely, MN, and Sandra (Scott) Watt of Alexandria; granddaughters, Cassandra (Nick) Lind, Heather (Paul) Winkelmann, Shayla (Chad) Bohn, Taylor (Jake) Behnke, Karla (Nate) Landaas, and Kylie Watt; fourteen great-grandchildren; sister, Irene Widner of Bisbee, AZ; and nieces and nephews.  Harry is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Martha; brothers, John and Gerald Sommers; and sisters, June Gabel and Betty Sommers.

A memorial service will be held 1 PM on Friday, July 15, 2022, at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.  Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorials preferred to Knute Nelson Hospice.