Mathilda E. Sommer, 91, of rural Marissa, IL, born on June 21, 1924 in Baldwin, IL, passed away on Saturday, March 26, 2016 at Freeburg Care Center in Freeburg, IL.

Mathilda grew up with her eleven brothers and sisters on the family farm, where she learned the joy of hard work and a job well done. She began her working career at Wehrheim’s Mercantile in Baldwin, and later moved to St. Louis, where she and two of her sisters shared a home for many years. Mathilda became an accountant at Washington University’s Brookings Hall, where once, though she rarely spoke of it, she and her coworkers bravely stood at gunpoint and were locked inside the vault. Eventually she became financial director of gifts and grants at the University’s Medical School campus. Mathilda enjoyed traveling both in the U.S. and abroad with sisters, nieces and friends. After 30 years of building an accomplished career at the university, she retired and lived again at the family farm where she took loving care of her family. Her many nieces and nephews fondly remember the lamb cakes she baked for confirmation and Easter. Mathilda was a loving godmother to Donna Kay Boyd, Debra Kennett and Emilie Cummings.

Ms. Sommer was preceded in death by her parents – Ferdinand and Emilie, nee Luebkemann, Sommer. Four brothers – Ferdinand Sommer, Fred Sommer, Rudolph Sommer and Louie Sommer. Three sisters – Goldie Bollmeier, Augusta Ohm and Lena Behnken. Two nephews – Nolan Falkenhein and Wayne Behnken. Four brothers-in-law – Arkell Bollmeier, Leonard Ohm, Carl Behnken, Adolph Falkenhein. A sister-in-law – Helen Sommer. Two nephews-in-law – Richard Dethrow and Martin Wright.

She is survived by four sisters and one brother-in-law – Emilie Sommer, Frieda Sommer, Ella Falkenhein, Leona (Joseph) Braun. Many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Visitation: Friends may call at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm and on Thursday, March 31, 2016 from 9:00am to 1:00pm.

Funeral: Services will be held at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at 1:00pm with Rev. Royal Boeder officiating.

Interment: Burial will be held in the Baldwin City Cemetery in Baldwin, IL.

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens is in charge of arrangements.