Jack Leo Sommerville

December 29, 1927 - September 28, 2020

Jack Leo Sommerville, 92, of Harbor Springs passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side on Monday, September 28, 2020. Jack was born in East Jordan on December 29, 1927 to the late Leo and Dorothy (Dennis) Sommerville. He married the true love of his life Dorene Rae Ward on August 29, 1948. Together they shared over 72 amazing years. A World War II Vetern, Jack honorably served in the United States Army as a Sargent teletype morse code expert. Proud of this service he was recently given the opportunity to complete an Honor Flight with his daughter Carol. Jack had a successful career as a division manager for Standard Products working in their Cleavland and Gaylord plants. Upon retirement Jack helped Dorene run their Som Acres farm. A smile on his face as he rode his tractor and worked the farm made for full summers. When fall rolled around it was time for serious business, the business of deer season. Hunting is a family activity in the Sommerville family. Four generations of hunters in a one room cabin for the best 15 days of the year. This was Jack’s happy place, outhouse and all. Jack had a passion for all sports. He loved teaching his daughters the game of golf as children and hosting family golf tournaments when they were grown. He even got a coveted “hole in one” during one such tournament. Passing this passion onto his family led to many days of supporting his daughter Lois as she coached her high school golf teams. This support continued onto his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Whether it meant driving around Michigan for a baseball game, flying from Florida for a hockey tournament or down the road for a ski race, he wanted to see it all. Jack (papa) was a family man with a heart of gold. His family was his pride and joy and he was ours. Surviving Jack is his wife Dorene, daughters; Lois McManus of Traverse City, Carol Nauta of Indian River, brother; Max Sommerville, grandchildren; Sara (Scott) Erickson, Brian (Erica) McManus, Alex Nauta; great-grandchildren; Simon, Charliese, Bianca, Baker, Fisher, many nieces, nephews, and beloved friends Jack is preceded in death by his son-in-law Randy Nauta, sister; Frances Murphy as well as beloved brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. A Memorial Celebration will be held on Saturday June 26, 2021 from 1-5pm with Military Honors at 3pm at Som Acres, 2540 Pleasantview Rd. Harbor Springs, MI Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of Little Traverse Bay, 761 Lafayette Dr. Cheboygan, MI 49721. Kindly share thoughts and memoires with Jack’s family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com