Kenneth Walter Sommerfeld's Obituary
Ken Sommerfeld, 83, of Davidson, NC passed away unexpectedly on June 30th. Born April 19, 1933 in Alpena, Michigan, the second son of Edwin and Beatrice Sommerfeld. After completing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Valparaiso University, he served in the US Navy as a carrier pilot. While stationed in Corpus Christi Texas, he met and married his wife of 59 years, Roberta. After finishing his Navy service (spending time in Virginia Beach and Key West), they moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee where he began his career with Union Carbide Nuclear continuing with Martin Marietta and retired after 37 years. After 56 years in Oak Ridge, Ken and Roberta moved to Davidson, NC in 2014.
Passionate about sports, his own prowess in tennis and baseball, evolved into supporting and watching his kids sporting endeavors, then to an active love of golf and daily visits to the fitness center. The consummate “lawn ranger”, he enjoyed developing his yard (rose garden, fish pond, wildflower gardens) and keeping it in shape.
A member and Sunday School teacher at First United Methodist Church, he was also active and a board member for The Boys Club, The Methodist Hospital, The Rotary Club, and the Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge.
Ken is survived by his wife Roberta, son Scott (wife Kathy) and granddaughters Lee & Kristen of Raleigh, NC, and Daughter Sherrie (husband Ron) Chaffin and granddaughter Addison, of Davidson, NC.
A celebration of his life will be held July 9th at 11am at Davidson United Methodist Church Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge, 116 E. Division Rd., Oak Ridge, TN 37830.
James Funeral Home is serving the family.
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