Gerald "Jay" Sommers

Gerald E. �Jay� Sommers, age 96, of Hastings died Monday, March 11, 2013 at the Prescott Nursing and Rehabilitation Community. Jay was born June 13, 1916 in Hastings to Charles and Laura (Knaresbo) Sommers. He was a graduate of Hastings High School and served in the Army during WWII. Jay had worked at Smead Manufacturing for over 50 years. That was where he met his future wife, Elizabeth �Betty� Milbauer, and they wed on July 1, 1950 in Hastings. Jay was a Life Member and Past Commander of Hastings VFW, a member of the American Legion, had served on the Hastings City Council, served as the Grand Marshall in the 2006 Hastings Rivertown Parade, and was an avid deer hunter. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Betty; and his two brothers Thomas and Marvin. Jay is survived by his daughters Sandy (Lloyd) Burdine of Rosemount and Pam Marquette of Hastings; grandson Brian Schommer (Nicole) of AZ; sisters Marie McAlwee of CA and Loretta Foss of Hastings; sister-in-law Char Milbauer of Plymouth, MN. The Funeral Mass, officiated by Fr. Cole Kracke will be held 11 AM Monday, March 18, 2013 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 West Fifteenth St., Hastings with visitation two hours prior to the service. The Hastings VFW Lyle Russell Post #1210 will provide Military Honors following the funeral at church.