Gilbert Schommer

Gilbert Schommer

Gilbert Norbert Schommer, age 76, formerly of Fordville, ND, died peacefully surrounded by his wife and children on Monday, December 19, 2011 at his home in Grand Forks, ND.

Gilbert Norbert Schommer was born on October 29, 1935 in Devils Lake, ND, to Andrew and Annie (Michels) Schommer. He was raised on the Schommer Family farm at Munich, ND. He attended and graduated from Munich High School in 1954. Gil married Darlene Janowski on July 12, 1960 in Calio, ND.

Gil started his 42 year career in the grain elevator business at Schuler Grain Elevator in Munich, ND. He then became manager of the grain elevator in Leeds, ND. In 1969 Gil transferred to become manager of the Minot Farmers Elevator. In 1972, Gil took over as manager of the Fordville Cooperative Marketing Association and retired in 1998 after serving 25 years. He was a member of the Fordville American Legion, KC's, Elks, and Eagles. He was treasurer and board member of St. Mark's Catholic Church in Conway, ND and was fire chief of the Fordville Volunteer Fire Department and a member of the North Dakota National Guard.

Gil spent his retirement traveling with his wife Darlene, enjoying time with his children and grandchildren, woodworking, playing many rounds of golf and was an avid Twins fan. He will be remembered for his generosity to his family, friends and his community.

He was preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Annie Schommer, an infant brother Donald and brother-in-law Robert Rohde.

Gil will be dearly missed by his wife Darlene of 51 years, 3 sons: Gary (Rebecca), McIntosh, MN; Doug, Savage, MN; Wayne, West Fargo, ND; 3 daughters: Karen Banning, Raleigh, NC; Debra (Kent) Whaley, Fordville; Joanne (Shawn) Freije, Duluth, MN; 10 grandchildren; 6 brothers: Norman (Shirley), Robert, Bernard (Aletha), James (Connie), Arnold (Elizabeth), Vernon (Linda); 5 sisters: Viola (Robert) Borho, Selina Rohde, Bernetta (Richard) Ritter, Lois (Wes) Parker, and Elaine (Robert) Perius, as well as many nieces and nephews.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 23, 2011 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Park River, ND.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fordville, ND.

VISITATION: 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. with a 6 p.m. prayer service Thursday, December 22, 2011 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Park River. Visitation will also be for one hour prior to the Funeral Mass in the church on Friday.

The Bakke Funeral Home of Fordville is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Altru Cancer Center in Grand Forks.

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