Cheryl Ann (Loecker) Sommer

Cheryl Ann (Loecker) Sommer, age 57, of Yankton, SD died Friday, June 29, 2018 at her home in Yankton. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM on Friday July 6, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Yankton with Reverend Larry Regynski officiating. Burial will be in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Yankton. Visitation is from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, July 5, 2018 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with a rosary at 6:45 PM and a vigil service at 7:00 PM. Pallbearers are Derek Thompson, Mike Loecker, Brad Loecker, Mike Huether, David Kiesner, and Gary Sommer. Honorary pallbearers are Cindy Huether, Tami Loecker, Allene Sommer, Kylie Kiesner, Kohen Thompson, and George Kiesner. This tribute is written for Cheryl Ann Sommer of Yankton, SD, along with those past and present just like her. Cheryl represents the best of those with a quiet determination to put family, faith and community before self, realizing the headlines and accolades often go elsewhere. Born on July 29, 1960 to a working-class couple, Vern and Marilyn Loecker, East 21st Street provided the backdrop where family was taught to work hard, live within your means, family stuff is special, Sundays include church and take full advantage of the simple things in life. She loved her hometown of Yankton. Gazelle pride ran deep as she excelled at tennis, journalism, drill team and finding love with a handsome YHS classmate at a Christmas dance. After graduating, the head over heels couple went to Northern State University where Cheryl graduated with honors. Soon after, Craig Sommer married this brown eyes beauty on August 21, 1982. They were soon blessed with daughter Jennifer Elizabeth in 1984. They supported her every activity, taking pride in dance moves, music notes, costume changes and deep conversations, especially between Mom and her little girl. Later on, son-in-law Derek Thompson, along with a rambunctious, curly haired beautiful grandson, Kohen Bentley would allow the softer side of “Nanna” to flourish. She was meticulous in the things she touched and took incredible pride in the “special details”. The flower pots with the plants arranged just right, the ribbon and bow to enhance the beauty of the perfect present, and the Broccoli Boo Salad that the family counted on for every joyous holiday. The most critical “touch” was felt by those she loved and she never failed when they needed her most. Her dad, Vern, a receiver of that never-ending love, was first in line at Heaven’s Gate to celebrate peace, love, family and his first born. She was one heck of a worker. Nothing less would do. First National Bank was rewarded 34 years of her loyalty and grit, refusing to miss work till the end. She also served as the President of Keep Yankton Beautiful, and felt that our homes and communities are a direct reflection of us. Looking our “Sunday best”, especially for visitors during Riverboat Days and graduations was vital. Colorful flowers brought a special warmth to Cheryl saying “they are so beautiful and change attitudes.” With that in mind, how about delivering handpicked or store-bought flowers to a neighbor in need of a smile? Today, think of this quiet, diligent and faithful servant when delivering the bouquet and simply sign the card “Cheryl.” Survivors include her husband, Craig Sommer of Yankton; daughter, Jennifer (Derek) Thompson of Virginia; grandson, Kohen Thompson; mother, Marilyn Loecker of Yankton; sister, Cindy (Mike) Huether of Sioux Falls; two brothers: Mike (Tami) Loecker of Lennox, SD; and Brad Loecker of Buffalo, WY; mother-in-law, Laurel Sommer of Yankton; brother-in-law, Gary Sommer of Houston, TX; sister-in-law, Allene Sommer of Yankton; and many nieces, nephews and furry friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Vernon Loecker; father-in-law, Alvin Sommer and brother-in-law, Glenn Sommer. To send an online message to the family, please visit www.wintzrayfuneralhome.com.