Sixth Generation

226. Richard Mark "Rick" SOMMERFELDT was born on 8 November 1954 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.²⁵⁹ He lived at his home in Warrens, Lincoln Township, Monroe County, WI in February 2003.³⁵ He died on 17 December 2022 at the age of 68 in La Crosse, La Crosse County, WI. Obituary Notes: "Richard “Rick” M. Sommerfeldt, 68, of Warrens WI passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday December 17, 2022 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems in LaCrosse,WI.

He was born November 8, 1954 to Richard R. and Lila (Farmer) Sommerfeldt. He grew up in the Tomah area. At a young age he became active in the boy scouts and achieved rank of Eagle Scout. He was a member of the Tomah Senior High School Graduating Class of 1972.

He was united in marriage to Yvonne Ersepke on September 30, 1978 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Rick started working at Band Box then became employed at Toro. He worked at Toro for over 35 years until his retirement in 2014. He previously volunteered for the Town of Lincoln Fire Department and the First Responders for more than 10 years.

He enjoyed riding motorcycles and took many summer road trips. Rick was an avid outdoorsman; enjoying anytime he spent outside, including hunting and fishing. Rick loved turkey hunting, deer hunting, bear hunting and all aspects of hound hunting. What he especially enjoyed was being out in the woods and sharing it with friends and family.

Most important to Rick was his family. He spent countless hours cheering on Joslyn at her softball games, volleyball games, soccer matches, and choir events. He helped coach Aaron’s Babe Ruth Allstar Baseball Team, making the trip to Lexington, KY three years in a row. As a result many friendships were developed and lasted his whole life. Recently he enjoyed being a Grandpa. His grandchildren will always remember camping with Grandpa and Grandma at their permanent campsite at Chapparral Campground, being pulled on the sled behind his 4-wheeler in the snow, countless Can-Am rides, and having him cheer them on in their gymnastic events, baseball games and basketball games Rick a devoted husband, a proud father, and a wonderful grandfather, father-in-law, son, and brother.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Yvonne of Warrens, a son Aaron (Krista) of Mauston, a daughter, Joslyn (Mark) Rewey of Sparta, 4 grandchildren, Reed and Kinzie, Madisyn and Emma, his father Richard “Dick” (Myrna) Sommerfeldt of Tomah, a sister Sue Solberg of St. Cloud, MN, a brother Kurt (Marilyn) of Rochester, MN, 3 brothers-in-law, Brad, Gary (Todd) and Donn (Susan), 3 sisters-in-law Sharon (Fiancé Wayne), Ruth (Mando) and Pam (Todd), nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother Lila, his mother-in-law and father-in-law Maxine and Thyssen, and a brother-in-law Ray.

A Private Family Service was held. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date for everyone to attend. Online condolence may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com. The Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Rick’s family would like to thank the Mayo Healthcare system’s staff for the excellent care and compassion that Rick received."

Richard Mark "Rick" SOMMERFELDT and Yvonne ERSEPKE were married on 30 September 1978 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.³⁵⁰ Yvonne ERSEPKE was born (date unknown).

Richard Mark "Rick" SOMMERFELDT and Yvonne ERSEPKE had the following children: