Larry Sommer

Larry Sommer, age 84 of Crandon, formerly of Denmark and Cleveland, WI, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on February 18, 2025 after a brief illness. He was born on March 29, 1940, in Cleveland, WI to Helen and Melvin Sommer. He grew up on his family’s dairy farm on the shore of Lake Michigan. Larry graduated from Sheboygan Central High School in 1958 and served his county in the Army from 1961 until he was honorably discharged in 1967.

He married his High School sweetheart Janice (Bogenschuetz) on October 27, 1962. He started his career with the H.C. Prange Company working in Sporting Goods. He eventually began working at the corporate office in Green Bay and moved to Denmark, WI in the fall of 1974. His career advanced over the years to a Buyer, Divisional Merchandise Manager, Director of Stores, Senior Vice President, and eventually becoming President and CEO of Prange Way. He purchased Prange Way on his 50th birthday. After the retail store chain closed, he worked for the Menards corporation. He and Janice bought land on Lake Lucerne near Crandon, WI in 1993 and began designing their dream log home. They moved there full-time in 2002. They enjoyed gardening, boating and spending time outdoors. They also were “snowbirds” and spent several weeks in Clermont, Florida where they made many lifelong friends. After Larry retired in 2006, he continued his community involvement.

He was a lifelong member and President of 3 different Lions Clubs for over 50 years, Lake Lucerne Association (President 10 years), Lumberjack Resource & Development Council, Town of Lincoln (Supervisor 10 years) Forest County LCC member (8 years), Forest County (Supervisor 2 years) Volunteer/Representative for Environmental Day for 6 years, Forest County Forest and Recreation Committee Member for 4 years, and Forest County Department of Aging committee member.

He was a proud season ticket holder for the Green Bay Packers for many years and enjoyed tailgating with family and friends. He enjoyed introducing everyone to a double brat on a Sheboygan hard roll and sharing a Tanqueray on the rocks. He was lucky enough to be in Dallas in 2011 to see the Packers win Super Bowl XLV. Larry looked forward to the annual July 4th weekend when the house was full of his children, their spouses, grandchildren, and great grandchild. He loved to host parties and entertain. His friends always looked forward to his Christmas Card photos over the years.

He is survived by his 3 children: Scott (Jenny) Sommer of Ringle, WI, Jodi (Craig) Grade of St. Peters, MO, and Shaun (Tammy) Sommer of Denmark, WI. Seven Grandchildren, Josh (and Kari) Sommer, Lucas Sommer, Jordan Sommer, Taylor and Hannah Grade, and Braedyn and McKinley Sommer. One Great Granddaughter Kaia Sommer and a Great Grandson expected March 2025. His siblings Kathy (Mark) Jurk of Sheboygan, WI, Stanley Sommer and Sue Morrelle also of Sheboygan, WI, and his cousins, nieces and nephews. Dear friends Lenny and Joy Peterson of Denmark, and Ron Klunk of Sheboygan.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 45 years Janice, his parents Melvin and Helen Sommer, his father-in-law William Bogenschuetz Sr. and mother-in-law Phebe (Noel) Bogenschuetz. Brother-in-law William Bogenschultz Jr, and sister-in-law Shirley Bogenschultz.

The family also hosted foreign exchange students Thomas (Mats) Glaus of St. Gallen, Switzerland and Jean Christopher Moonyrahn, of Paris, France.

Family and friends may visit at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 435 Wisconsin Ave, Denmark, on Saturday, February 22, from 2:00pm until 4:30pm. Funeral service will be held at 5:00pm with the Rev. Andrew D. Zoerb, STS officiating. Service will be livestreamed at https://www.oursaviorsdenmark.org/worship-online

Burial will be in Eastside Cemetery at a later date.

Larry’s family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center, Dr. Gautam, and Cancer Care Navigator Nurse Annie Miller. Pastor Andy from Our Savior Lutheran Church in Denmark and the caring staff at Unity Hospice in DePere. 

Don’t forget the lessons Larry has taught us over the years:

-There are no mosquitoes at his house

-it’s not going to rain

-we’re only 10 minutes away

-you can’t eat on an empty stomach

-never drink anything you can’t see through

-most of all, don’t put good meat on a mush bun