Anita D. Sommerness was born on December 8, 1921, in Faribault, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Ralph and Mary Margaret “Molly” (Treacy) Merrill. Anita was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth, both at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Faribault.
She received her education at Bethlehem Academy, and was a graduate of the Bethlehem Academy High School Class of 1939.
On July 27, 1941, Anita was united in marriage to David Joseph Sommerness at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Faribault. This marriage was blessed with five children: Thomas, James, William, Judith and John “Jack.”
Anita was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother with a very big heart and spent her life making certain her family’s needs were met before her own. She was a faithful member of St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson.
Anita enjoyed knitting, sewing, traveling, and was an avid sports fan of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Twins, Vikings, and Lynx. She especially cherished the time she spent time with her family, grandchildren and friends.
Anita passed away peacefully on May 13, 2018, at Harmony River Living Center, at the age of 96 years. Blessed be her memory.
Anita is survived by her children, William D. Sommerness and his wife, Jackie of Duluth, Judith K. Reid of Hutchinson, John “Jack” R. Sommerness and his wife “Pink” of Hutchinson; 16 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; sister, Elaine McDonald; nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends.
Anita is preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Molly Merrill; husband, David J. Sommerness; sons Thomas Sommerness and James Sommerness; grandsons Timothy Reid and Joseph Sommerness; sisters Kay Wieben and Patricia Glynn; and son-in-law David Reid.
Arrangements by the Dobratz-Hantge Chapels in Hutchinson. Online obituaries and guest book available at www.hantge.com. Please click on Obituaries/ Guest Book.
Leave a Reply