Marilyn Sommerfeldt

Marilyn J. Sommerfeldt, 78, of Elk Rapids, gracefully accepted the call of her Lord, Tues. June 25, 2013. She was born Sept. 5, 1934 in Cleveland, OH, the daughter of Ivor and Mary (Buchanan) Bryn. Marilyn was a graduate of Edison Institute High School (Greenfield Village) and Michigan State University in Interior Design. She worked many years in hospital administration as a longtime resident of Dearborn. Marilyn was always deeply involved with her family, friends, and associations. Even with three sons she was active with the Girls Scouts, "Sing Out Dearborn" (aka "Up With People"), 16th Congressional District politics, overseeing Little League umpires, Elk Rapids Community Cupboard, "Lunch Buddy" program at Elk Rapids School, Art Rapids, AAUW, and Economic Clubs of Detroit and Traverse City. She loved the Lord and was very involved in the churches she attended in Dearborn and Elk Rapids. Marilyn helped with fundraising, bereavement committees, created dinner dances, was a member of Sacred Heart Women's group, and lent her expertise in decorating the church and hall. Her adventurous spirit and dedication was also demonstrated in her ability as an accomplished gourmet cook, and enjoying many travels and fine dining. "Life will never be dull" was her motto and she lived by that. She was always touched by people she met along her life course and they were touched by her. On August 10, 1957, she married Tom, the love of her life for the last 55 years, who survives. She is also survived by her sons Robert (Mary Lu) and William (Catherine), daughter in law Barbara (Ron) Anderson, and her precious grandchildren Nelson (Melanie) Sommerfeldt, Christine (Josh) Cone, Lorna (Bryan) Quello, Allison and Bryn Sommerfeldt, Thomas and Eva Sommerfeldt. Marilyn was preceded in death and now joins her son Michael who died in 1993, and also her parents. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 10, with a Vigil for the Deceased at 7:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Elk Rapids. There will also be Visitation at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, July 11, until 3:00 p.m. when the Mass from the Order of Christian Funerals will be celebrated at the church. The Most Reverend Bernard A. Hebda, Bishop of the Diocese of Gaylord, will preside, with Reverend Robert J. Zuchowski as co-celebrant and homilist, and Deacon Rene Hoenscheid assisting. Memorial donations can be made in her memory to the Elk Rapids Community Cupboard, c/o Jane Lund 6515 Timberlake Dr., Elk Rapids, MI 49629 or Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.