Elizabeth M. (Ratz) Sommerfeld, 87, Gillett, died March 4, 2015. She was born to the late Henry and Minnie (Peisler) Ratz on Nov. 24, 1927, in Milwaukee.
Elizabeth married Herbert Sommerfeld 69 years ago on Nov. 17, 1945, in Gillett. She was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church Riverside, where she was involved in many church activities: Ladies Aide, music teacher and Sunday school teacher, and she also played the organ for many years.
Elizabeth worked as a surgical nurse in Oconto Falls for many years. After retiring from nursing, she worked at the Ben Franklin Dime store and also at Club 32 in Gillett. She was very active and enjoyed golfing, playing cards, entertaining with her accordion and bowling, where she was recognized as the oldest bowler in Wisconsin.
Elizabeth had a knack for working with her hands, knitting, crocheting, quilting, making crafts and even sewing her children’s clothes in their younger years. She cherished hosting everyone for holidays and birthdays; Elizabeth was fond of a house full of family.
She is survived by her loving husband, Herbert Sommerfeld; sons, Steve Sommerfeld, Gary Sommerfeld, of Gillett; daughters, Linda (Richard) Scapple, of Harris, Minnesota, Deborah (Larry) Clay, of Green Bay; seven grandchildren, Kyle, Jamis, Matthew, Michael, Samantha, John and Allison; four great-grandchildren, Katelynn, Abagayle, Joseph and Macey; brother, Robert Ratz, of Mesa, Arizona; and many nieces, nephews, friends and other family members.
In addition to her parents, Henry and Minnie, she was preceded in death by her brother, Alfred Ratz, and sister, Elsie Krueger.
Friends called from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, March 7, at St. John’s Lutheran Church Riverside in Gillett. Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church with the Rev. James Athey officiating. Burial took place following the funeral service at St. John’s Lutheran Church Riverside Cemetery in Gillett.
Kuehl Funeral Home is assisting the family of Elizabeth M. Sommerfeld.
Online condolences may be expressed at kuehlfuneralhome.com.


