LeRoy Sommers, 90, Owatonna
LeRoy Sommers passed away at Abbott Northwestern Hospital with his family by his side on July 16, 2026.
LeRoy, the eldest child of Earl and Orpha (Langlie) Sommers, was born at the family home in Ellendale, on May 15, 1936. He was later joined by three brothers and one sister.
On April 20, 1963, at Aurora Lutheran Church, he married Newell Vaith, and they shared 63 wonderful years together. If you saw one, you saw the other, whether it was working in the field, taking care of their livestock, mowing their lawn, snowmobiling with friends, dancing to old-time music, or supporting their children and grandchildren in all of their activities.
LeRoy was known as a quiet man and friend to many with his kind, gentle, loving soul. He was always there when somebody needed help. He was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, holding various roles in the church. In his early years, he drove truck for Oldefendt/Krause Livestock along with farming. LeRoy was involved with the Ellendale Hustlers 4-H Club in his youth and later as a parent. LeRoy looked forward to getting his fall crops out of the field so he could enjoy his time deer hunting in Birchdale with family and friends.
Later in life, he and Newell enjoyed many special days at the lake with their children and grandchildren. Even though he did not care for water, he bought the pontoon to give his grandchildren all the leisure rides they wanted. He was a very patient man. LeRoy and Newell lived in Lemond Township until they moved to Owatonna in the fall of 2018.
LeRoy is survived by wife of 63 years, Newell; children Steven (Amy) Sommers, Apple Valley; Andy (Michon) Sommers, White Bear Lake; and Marietta (Skip) Ruppe, Northfield; grandchildren Michelle (Austin) Chouanard, Tanner (Alexandra) Ruppe, Marissa (Dylan) Kooner, Quentin Sommers, Hannah Sommers, and Spencer Sommers; great-granddaughter Elliana Chouanard; siblings Wayne (Mary) Sommers, Maryann (Denis) Woodfill, and Phillip (Lori) Sommers; brother- and sister-in-law Bill (Linda) Vaith; along with many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Orpha Sommers; brother David Sommers; mother- and father-in-law Rodney and Violet (Thompson) Vaith; and niece Christina Vaith.
Friends may greet the family on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Brick-Meger Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Funeral service will be held Thursday, July 23, at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 7126 SW 98th St., Ellendale, with Pastor Billie Jo Wicks presiding.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorials to Zion Lutheran Church in LeRoy's honor. For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com.