Alvin Sommer celebrates 100th birthday
Wed, 11/08/2017 - 1:42pm
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By:
Sara Stromseth-Troy TPD Staff
CRESCO - A large crowd of approximately 120 people gathered at Kessel Lodge recently to celebrate the 100th birthday of Alvin Sommer.
Sommer’s special day was shared with his brother, Harold, age 92 from Byron, Illinois. The two brothers hadn't seen each other in 14 years.
Following his party, Sommer talked with the Cresco Times Plain Dealer about his life, including his service in the military during World War II:
“In 1945 and 1946, I was in heavy field artillery, and worked in the motor pool in Japan,” he said.
Born and raised north of Cresco, he lived in the area for most of his life, except for 20 years in Illinois. Sommer worked for International Harvester.
He remembers his years driving to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota to take part in Immanuel Lutheran Church’s service project.
“I drove out there for about 18 years,” he said.
As he celebrates a century of living, Sommer is reflective:
“I think of all the changes from when I was boy until now,” he said.
Just prior to his 100th birthday, Sommer appeared on a float during the Norman Borlaug Harvest Fest Grand Parade.
Alvin Sommer’s secret to a long life?
“Work hard”, he said.
