William Sommers

Fountain City, WIWilliam F. Sommers, 89, died Tuesday, March 4, 2003 at Winona Community Memorial Hospital in Winona, MN. Bill was born October 27, 1913 in Dickinson, ND to William and Anna (Bitzan) Sommers. On November 20, 1935 he married Ferne Krause in Decorah, IA. Bill was a lifelong mechanic working for Bitzan Bros. Garage, Siefert Baldwin Motor Co. for 20 years, C. Paul Venables Cadillac where he was the service manager, was a partner operating a garage on Front St. in Winona and retired after working for Fibrite for 10 years. While working as a mechanic he also was a partner with his son at Buffalo Shooter Supply for 35 years. Bill had lived in Winona, Bluff Siding, WI and Marshland. Bill was a member of the Eagles Club in Winona, a member of the NRA and was an avid hunter and fisherman.Survivors include his wife Ferne, one son William R. (Darlene) Sommers of Trempealeau, WI, one daughter, Faye Salwey of Fountain City, WI; one granddaughter, Debra Sommers, two step-grandchildren, Curt (Robin) Courrier and Brice (Barbara) Courrier, 2 great-grandchildren, Jeremy and Jennifer Zimmerman, seven step ?great grandchildren, Bethany, Becky, Alex, Sarah, Michelle, Eric and Neil Courrier, and two great-great grandchildren, Marcus and Hallie. Preceding Bill in death is his parents, brother, John and granddaughter, Rhonda Sommers.Funeral services are planned for Friday, March 7, 2003 at 11:00am at Hoff Funeral Homes ? Burke Winona Chapel with John Swanson officiating. Spring burial will take place in the Fountain City Public Cemetery. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Friday.