Terry Todd Sommer, 49, White Heath, passed away at 8:05 a.m. Saturday (May 11, 2013) in Peoria.
A memorial service will be at 6 p.m. Friday at Morgan Memorial Home, Savoy, with the Rev. Dalene Keubler presiding. Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. Friday prior to the service at the funeral home.
Todd was born Sept. 2, 1963, in Gibson City, the son of Terry and Vickie Sievers Sommer. Todd attended schools in Danville and Urbana, and graduated from Urbana High School in 1981. During his early years, while living in Gibson City, Todd and his sister Tiffany spent endless enjoyable hours with their grandparents, Henry “Hank” and Anna Sievers.
In June 1978, two families were blended as Todd’s mom Vickie married Loyd Wax, and Todd and Tiffany gained two brothers, Jeffrey and Douglas Wax.
In 1985, Todd married Rita Harrington in Tempe Ariz., and from this union, a daughter, Jessica, and two sons, Casey Wade and Kyle Matthew, were born.
In 2000, Todd married Lisa Dooley and from this union was born a son, Jacob H.M. Sommer. Todd and his family lived in Champaign for a time, but spent most the last decade in the Weldon area, near Clinton Lake.
Todd was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Jessica, as well as his grandparents and a nephew.
Survivors include Todd’s sons, Casey, and wife, Mackenzie, and their daughter, Ava; Kyle, and fiancee, Kendra, and their sons, Talan and Bentley; and son, Jacob. He is also survived by siblings, Tiffany (Thomas) Loew, Jeffery Wax and Douglas (Marlo) Wax. Also surviving are his mother and stepfather, Vickie and Loyd Wax, White Heath; father and stepmother, Terry and Marcy Sommer, Sarasota, Fla.; and aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews who loved him very much.
Todd held several jobs during his career and being a “jack of all trades”; he was very good at everything he tried. First, he was a successful pipefitter in Arizona, then an equally successful and talented carpenter in Illinois, and later became an insurance claims adjuster with EBERL, working closely with State Farm. Recently, he was recognized with a 10-year certificate at the EBERL annual meeting in Dallas, Texas. Todd’s work ethic, attention to detail and concern for others made him a great fit for this job.
Todd was meticulous and a hard worker who took great pride in the care of his home and grounds. He was an avid outdoorsman who excelled in every sport and hobby he engaged in, including mountain climbing, cycling, target shooting, golfing, boating, water sports and, most recently, fishing. Todd was great at showing others the latest fishing techniques with a patience not often seen. His family and friends were always on the ready when Todd would call to say “come on over, they are hitting near the bridge!”
Todd was a classic gentleman and a caring person who gave so much to family and friends. He cared greatly for people and animals and went out of his way to help those who needed assistance. He made a difference in the lives of people from all walks of life. He will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Todd Sommer Memorial Fund, in care of First Federal Savings Bank, P.O. Box 1010, Champaign, IL 61824.
Condolences may be mailed in care of Vickie Wax, 13 River Valley Ranch, White Heath, IL 61884
