It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Arthur Peter Sommerfeld, beloved husband of Mary V. Sommerfeld at the Cypress Regional Hospital during the early hours of January 2, 2009. Art was born on the family farm near Wymark on April 14, 1927. His school years were spent at Wymark School where he distinguished himself as a scholar and an athlete. After high school graduation Art started farming with his father, beginning to establish his own farm. On July 16, 1950 Art married Mary Violet Regier. Their first home was their farm near Wymark. They moved to the edge of the hamlet in 1956 and to Swift Current in 1982. Art loved his sports. As a young man he played ball and hockey with the Wymark Tigers. Curling became a long-standing activity. Very important were his Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, reserved for games with his brothers Don and Gordon. Art was passionate about his farm. As his ability to do the physical work waned he helped in any way that he could. He loved to go for drives to look at the crops and maintained his interest in all aspects of the farming operation. His interest in farming and agriculture moved beyond his farm to active involvement with the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool as a long-standing committee member and as a representative with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. As a youth he was baptised upon proclamation of his faith and began his involvement with the church. He served as treasurer, Sunday School teacher and deacon with the Emmaus Mennonite Church in Wymark and as a deacon with the Zion Mennonite Church in Swift Current. Art had a strong sense of fairness and was defined by his integrity. He faced his health challenges head on with a positive attitude and a deep sense of faith. 2nd Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” is a testimony to his life. Art’s children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. He took pride in learning about their activities and interests; following their academic, sporting and extra curricular activities and teaching them new games. He loved to laugh and joke with them! Art was predeceased by his parents Peter and Mary (Marquard) Sommerfeld, sisters Flora Dyck and Helen Derksen, parents-in-law Abram and Elisabeth Regier, brothers-in-law Jake Regier and John M. Regier, nephew Murray Regier and niece Lynne Derksen. He is survived by Mary, his wife of 58 years, brothers Don (Marie) Sommerfeld and Gordon (Anne) Sommerfeld; daughter Doreen (Warren) Clubb, grandsons Andrew and Scott of Saskatoon; son Randy (Sheila) Sommerfeld, grandsons Jason and Kalon of Swift Current and granddaughter Jaclyn (fiancé Matt Chute) of Edmonton, daughter Rhonda (Glen) Haight, granddaughters Allison and Jillian, grandsons Michael and Samuel of Winnipeg. Art is also survived by sisters-in-law Erna (Larry) Letkeman, Sylvia Regier, Helen Regier, brothers-in-law Hank Derksen, Leonard Dyck and many nieces and nephews. Art’s dialysis nurses were his renal family. We appreciate the wonderful care and support they so readily gave. We would like to thank Dr. Ibrahim and the staff of Associate Family Physicians Clinic along with the staff of Cypress Regional Hospital who provided Art with thoughtful care. We have many happy memories of Art, and miss him dearly.The Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at 2:30 pm from the Zion Mennonite Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastors Bill & Helen Kruger officiating. The pianist was Grace Funk accompanied by Sigrid Warkentin on the organ. “Great is Thy Faithfulness”, “Softly and Tenderly” and “Take Thou My Hand” were sung by the congregation under the direction of John Regier. Special music was brought by the Male Quartet singing, “In the Sweet By and By” and “When Peace Like a River”. A tribute was read that was written by the children. The ushers in the church were Vic Reimer, John Sawatzky, Bill Reimche and Pete Dyck. The Interment Service was held at the Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with the following serving as pallbearers, Marvin Wiens, Barry Regier, Andrew Clubb, Scott Clubb, Jason Sommerfeld, Kalon Sommerfeld, Michael Groening and Samuel Haight. In memory of Arthur Sommerfeld, donations made to MCC Saskatchewan or to the Kidney Foundation of Saskatchewan would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
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