Obituary of Reynold Bernard Sommerfeld

SOMMERFELD – Reynold With sadness in their hearts, the family of Reynold Bernard Sommerfeld, late of Shellbrook, announce his passing on Thursday, March 5, 2015. Reynold passed away peacefully with his family at his side at the Parkland Integrated Health Center (Long Term Care) at the age of 86 years. Reynold was born on December 7, 1928 in Shellbrook Saskatchewan, the eldest child of Adam and Olga Sommerfeld. He was baptized and confirmed in St. John’s Lutheran Church in Brightholme. Reynold was married to Lucy Lehna Schmalz on August 4, 1952 at Brightholme and together they had three children, Janet, Rhonda and Perry. Reynold is lovingly survived by his wife of 62 years Lucy; his daughters Janet (Jamie) Scholz and Rhonda Sommerfeld (Jim Lennard); his grandchildren Regan (Todd) Birr, Rachel (Ben) Maize and children, Blake, Brendan and Logan, Brock (Crystal) Fitch and son Rory, Kelsey (Jory) Segberg, Erica Sommerfeld, Michael Sommerfeld and Tessa Sommerfeld Riel; his sister Edith Radcliffe; his brother William (JoAnn) Sommerfeld; and his uncle Gustav (Dora) Sommerfeld. Reynold was predeceased by his son Perry Sommerfeld; his parents Adam and Olga Sommerfeld; his sister Hildegard (William) Mayer; his brothers Herbert Sommerfeld and an infant brother Arnold; and his father and mother-in-law Karl and Emilie Schmalz. Reynold was blessed with distinctive red hair so naturally his life long nickname was “Red”. He had a terrific sense of humor and enjoyed giving loving nicknames to each of his grandchildren. As a young man, Reynold was very good at track and field, particularly at running and high jump. Church was also a big part of Reynold's life. Picnics, playing ball and social activities centered around the St. John's Lutheran Church in Brightholme. Reynold loved baseball and hockey. He and Lucy took wonderful bus trips to watch Perry play hockey in the winter and then in the summer time there were lots of road trips to watch Perry play baseball. These times and memories were cherished by him. Reynold was an avid curler. He and Lucy often watched his granddaughters Regan and Rachel curl, traveling all over Saskatchewan and even to Calgary to enjoy their competitions. Reynold in later years also loved to watch his grandsons play hockey, especially the games of Brock, Michael and Jory. Reynold always supported and enjoyed Kelsey's singing, even attending her events in his wheelchair. Reynold's heartfelt support was always there for Erica and Tessa's school and life activities. Reynold grew up on his parents' mixed farm nine miles south of Shellbrook. He attended school at Yankee Valley and in 1949 Reynold completed a Diesel, Automotive and Welding Course in Edmonton. Reynold owned and operated Sommerfeld Construction, a land clearing business from 1953 until 1966. This business took him to several communities in the Prince Albert area, doing brush and land clearing for road construction. Reynold farmed from 1953 until 2007 in the Shellbrook area together with his wife Lucy and son Perry. Reynold was passionate about everything he did and took great pride in being a good farmer. Reynold especially loved running the combine as the fall and harvest season was his favorite time of year. Green was his favorite colour. In 2003 Reynold was awarded his 50 year pin and presented with a life time membership of The Elks of Canada. He enjoyed doing volunteer work in the community and for St. John's Lutheran Church in Shellbrook. Reynold and Lucy enjoyed many tropical vacations especially trips to Hawaii with family and friends. Reynold's concern was for everyone in his family, their health and their happiness. Whatever life presented or whatever the situation was, Reynold wanted to help. Reynold's grandchildren loved their time with Gramps. There were wonderful family times spent visiting and baby-sitting. The children enjoyed play time on the beautiful yard, riding in the machinery with Grandpa and of course, the bountiful meals that were shared. These precious memories we will never forget. Reynold's funeral service was held at St. John's Lutheran Church, Shellbrook on Tuesday March 10, 2015 at 11:00 am with Pastor Chris Dean and Pastor Trent Felstrom as officiants. The “Shared Memories” was given by Regan Birr and Jamie Scholz. The pianist was Janet Scholz and special music “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” was sung by Regan Birr, Rachel Maize and Kelsey Segberg. During the service Reynold's two favorite hymns “Just As I Am” and “What a Friend We Have In Jesus” were sung by the congregation. The pallbearers were Reynold's grandchildren Regan, Rachel, Brock, Kelsey, Erica, Michael and Tessa. The interment was at the Brightholme Lutheran Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in memory of Reynold to either the Brightholme Lutheran Cemetery Fund or to the Shellbrook and Districts Health Services Foundation (Long Term Care).