Dennis "Denny" Sommerfeldt

Dennis Sommerfeldt of Kalamazoo, age 92, died peacefully on October 28, 2022. Denny was born September 26, 1930 in Benton Harbor to Gottlieb and Bertha (Schuhknecht) Sommerfeldt. After proudly serving in the U.S. Army, Denny returned home, married Joyce Weber, and settled on a farm in Hartford. During his time as a Raw Products Manager at Burnette Foods, Denny was named Field Man of the Year in Michigan in 1978 for his work assisting farmers with their orchards and crops. He was well known for his patience, kindness, his Catholic faith, and his exceptional work ethic as after a long day at Burnette's he still farmed 120 acres of his own. An avid sports fan, Denny was part of a golf league and bowling league, and if a Michigan State game was on, he was sure to watch! He loved teaching his kids how to fish using an old fashioned cane pole. In retirement, he and his wife, Joyce, travelled extensively, visiting nearly all of the states and several countries including Ireland. Nothing though, meant more to Denny than spending quality time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Denny was preceded in death by his brother, Bob Sommerfeldt. Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Joyce; children: Denise (Jim) Hodgins, Tammy (Garth) Beam, Randy (Gail) Sommerfeldt, and Peggy (Rick) Whisler; grand-children: Neil and Cara Hodgins, Melanie and Megan Beam, and Tyler and Tanner Whisler; and nieces: Sandi Sommerfeldt and Rhonda Poklemba.

Private services will be held Fort Custer National Cemetery. Visit Denny’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and sign his guestbook. Memorial donations may be directed to Parkinson's Foundation. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 269-375-2900.