Viola M. Sommer

Viola M. Sommer, age 88, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, April 11, 2012, at Golden Heights in Garnett, Kansas. She was born on June 3, 1923, in Anderson County, Kansas, the daughter of Albert and Theresa (Mersman) Kipper. She grew up in Scipio and attended school there. Viola worked in Kansas City as a housekeeper following school. Viola was united in marriage to John J. Sommer on August 24, 1943, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Scipio, Kansas. This union was blessed with three children. They made their home in Greeley. She was a homemaker and seamstress, and loved making quilts. In 1992 John and Viola moved to Garnett. Viola was a member of the Zig Zag Sewing Club and the V.F.W. Auxiliary of Greeley. She was also a member of the St. John's Catholic Church and the Altar Society in Greeley and then Holy Angels Church in Garnett after moving to Garnett. Viola was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John Sommer on March 12, 2003; 2 sisters, Irene Burbank and Ethel May Stevenson; and 3 brothers, Alfred, Lyle and Wilbur Kipper. She is survived by one son, John L. Sommer of Greeley, Kansas; Marilyn Dykes and husband Kenneth of Garnett, Kansas; Mary Jane Fields and husband Herman of Paola, Kansas; six grandchildren, Brian and Sara Dykes of Garnett, Kansas, Kristina and Robert Redding of Olathe, Kansas, Dan and Barbara Karigan of Paola, Kansas, Pat Karigan of Paola, Kansas, Kim Sommer of Olathe, Kansas, Chad and Angie Sommer of Lawrence, Kansas; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jim Kipper and wife, Rita of Scipio, Kansas, Richard Kipper and Rachel of Frankfort, Illinois; two sisters, Dorothy Lickteig and husband, Walter and Jean Dalsing all of Greeley, Kansas. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 16, 2012, at St. John's Catholic Church in Greeley, Kansas. Burial will follow in the St. John's Cemetery in Greeley. A Rosary will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday evening at St. John's Church in Greeley, followed by family visitation at the St. John's Hall in Greeley. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Church or to the Parkinson's Foundation and left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .