Laurine Mary Somers was born on November 5, 1924 in Slayton, Minnesota to Lauritz and Emma Johansen Anderson. The family later moved to the Johansen farm northeast of Slayton, and then, in 1937, moved to the Anderson farm east of Slayton. Laurine graduated from Slayton High School in 1943. She then attended McKennan School of Nursing in Aberdeen, SD. On February 21, 1946, Laurine and Robert “Bob” Somers were married at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Avoca, MN. Following their marriage they purchased Bob’s parents farm northeast of Avoca and raised their six children. A Christmas tradition started by Bob and Laurine was a birthday cake for Jesus and the reading of The Christmas Story by one of the youngest grandchildren before the gifts were opened. This is still a treasured tradition by the entire family today. Bob passed away on February 20, 2003. Laurine remained in their home until 2013 when she became a resident of the Maple Lawn Nursing Home in Fulda where she passed away on Friday, October 21, 2016 at the age of 91. She was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Slayton. Laurine also was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, the Avoca American Legion Auxiliary, the Avoca VFW Auxiliary, DAV Auxiliary, the GFWC and the Goodwill Club. Laurine enjoyed being with her family, reading, playing cards, traveling, and bowling. On Laurine‘s 90th birthday, the family had her favorite doll “Dolly” from her childhood restored as a birthday gift. Dolly always had a special place in Laurine’s heart.
Survivors include her six children and their spouses, Fran and Fred Berreau of Lake Wilson, MN, Jean and Gary Eich of Slayton, MN, Pat and Gary Grev of Maple Grove, MN, Tom and Pam Somers of Avoca, MN, Mary and Mike Illg of Glencoe, MN, and John and Gina Somers of Eagan, MN; 15 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and one great-grandson, Jacob McKernon.
Funeral Services were held at St. Ann’s Church in Slayton, MN on Monday, October 24, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Thien Nguyen officiating. The organist was Judy Andrews. The song leader was Connie McNab. The pallbearers were her grandchildren. Interment at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery in Avoca, MN. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com
