Norma Louise Sommer, 86, of Sparta, IL; born July 23, 1937, in Deventer, MO, the daughter of James Martin and Helen Virginia (Toombs) Manker; passed away Saturday, August 19,2023 at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in O'Fallon, IL.

Norma was a graduate of St. Henry's Catholic School in Charleston, MO in 1955 and Holy Cross School of Nursing in South Bend, IN. A lifelong nurse, Norma was very proud of her time as a staff and surgical nurse for over 40 years. She spent 5 years at Our Savior Catholic Hospital in Jacksonville, IL, 2 years at St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg, IL, 24 years at Sparta Community Hospital as a supervisory surgical nurse and supervisor of Central Supply, and 10 years at Chester Memorial Hospital as a surgical nurse. Norma enjoyed swimming, spoiling her grandchildren, gardening, and participating in community support as a member of the Garden Club and Delta Theta Tau.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 64 years – Jan L. Sommer of Sparta, IL to whom she married April 11, 1959, at St. Henry Catholic Church in Charleston, MO; two sons – Brian Sommer of Sparta, IL and Mark Sommer of Sparta, IL; two grandchildren – Andrew (Ashley Wagner) Sommer of Sparta, IL and Patrick Sommer of Sparta, IL; two great grandchildren – Eloise and Iris Sommer of Sparta, IL; two sisters – Melba (James) Stricker of Lakeland, FL and Judy (Gordon) Holzem of Paris, TN; two brothers – David (Alpha) Manker of Charleston, MO and Donald (Diane) Manker of Atoka, TN; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents; brothers – James Manker, Paul Manker, Kenneth Manker, and Raymond Manker; daughter-in-law – Janet Sommer; granddaughter – Laci Sommer.

Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Heil-Schuessler & Sinn Funeral Home in Sparta from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Graveside Services will be held at a later date.

Family and friends will assemble for graveside services at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the Calvary Cemetery at Charleston, MO.  Father David Dohogne, pastor of St. Henry Catholic Church in Charleston, will officiate.