Earl J. Sommerhauser

Sommerhauser, Earl John age 99 passed away February 10, 2022. Visitation Monday beginning at 6 pm with family present, Rosary following at 7 pm. Funeral Mass 10 am Tuesday, all at St Michael’s Mulvane.

Burial to follow in Mulvane cemetery.

Earl was born April 4, 1922 to Pete and Frances Sommerhauser, and grew up in Garden Plain and west Wichita. In his teen years the family relocated to the Derby area, and Earl enlisted in the Army Air Corps, attending radio

school in South Dakota. Upon receiving a medical discharge, he returned home to help the war effort though his work at Boeing Aircraft on B-29s.

He married Connie (Leis) and they made their home on a farm east of Mulvane. They emphasized to their children values of faith, family, honesty, and hard work. He eventually retired after 38 years from his work at Boeing as an experimental electrician, but continued his involvement and interest in farming. Earl was an avid reader, and faithfully read the daily newspaper until his eyesight prohibited it. He was fiercely independent and a life-long learner who will be remembered for his abilities as a do-it-yourself person, a huge dog lover, a great storyteller, a witty and strategic Pitch player, one who loved a good steak dinner and visits to the casino, and a thoughtful and generous contributor to those in need of a financial boost.

Special thanks and recognition goes to his dedicated caregivers, the staff at Homestead Assisted Living in Derby. They made his stay there as much as a homelike experience as possible with their loving care and attention.

In addition to his wife of 67 years, Earl was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mary Frances who died at birth, and Marie Simon, and brother Glenn Sommerhauser.

He is survived by their seven children: Darrell (Mary K.) of Raytown, MO; Bob (Sylvia) of Rose Hill; Tim (Jane) of Mulvane; Elaine (Tom) Coulson; Marya (Larry) Taylor both of Haysville; Kathy (Kevin) Barker of Rose Hill; and Karen (Jerry) Langer of Wichita; numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces; and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to St Michaels Catholic Church, 525 E. Main St. Mulvane, KS 67110 or the

Kansas Humane Society 3313 N. Hillside St. Wichita, KS 67219.