Michael Patrick Sommer

With great sadness, we announce that Michael Patrick Sommer (37) of Madison, Alabama, unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Born on September 5, 1987, in Lake Zurich, IL, Michael was the third and youngest beloved child of James and Linda Sommer. Michael is survived by his wife, Amanda Sommer; three beloved sons, Noah Sommer, Oliver Sommer, and Grayson Sommer; loving parents, James and Linda Sommer; brother, James Sommer; and sister, Maggie (Sommer) Osborn. He also leaves behind a long list of extended family and close, dear friends.

Michael lived his life with passion, achievement, and loyalty to those lucky enough to know him. He was known in life for his towering height, and in death, he will forever be remembered for his soaring legacy. A perpetual competitor, Michael enjoyed basketball, golf, soccer, chess, and taekwondo, a discipline he pursued to become an instructor with the intention of sharing the art with his sons. He clearly achieved that, as he earned his Black Belt with Noah and Oliver by his side.

Michael graduated from Catholic High School (now known as St. John Paul II High School) in 2006 and proceeded to the University of Alabama, where he earned a B.S. in Accounting and later his MBA. While at Alabama, he became a member of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity, through which he met some of his dearest friends and his wife, the love of his life, Amanda Brewer Sommer. In line with his pursuit of joy, he proposed to Amanda at Disney World, and they married on December 30, the Feast of the Holy Family, in 2011 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Daphne, Alabama.

Most of all, Michael was a loving, fiercely loyal husband and father. He was Amanda’s providence throughout the thirteen years of their amazing marriage. Grayson wants everyone to know that he loves his dad’s stories and silly pranks. Oliver says his daddy found the best doughnuts, taught him taekwondo, was a great soldier, and took him on great trips. And Noah can’t think of one thing to say because everything about his dad was special.

When anyone in his family needed help, or even just someone to talk to, Michael would make the time. He was a constant long-distance companion to his parents, and he was a parenting role model to his older siblings. He enjoyed spending time with his extended family, along with the joys of spending time with the family of friends he developed in life. He and his fraternity brothers made an annual camping trip to Perry County, keeping their bond strong despite the distances that separated them.

In addition to his love of family, Michael had a long, successful career. In 2011, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He served his country proudly for nine years on active duty and five years in the Reserves, attaining the rank of Major through a dynamic career as an Armor, Signal, and Logistics Officer. Once his Army service ended, Michael built a successful career in project management, most recently working with his best friend, Don Zegler, at KBR. Though he was only with them a short time before his passing, he made a big impact and leaves his team with a hole not easily filled.

To say he will be missed is an understatement; words cannot contain the grief of his friends and family. We entrust his soul to the mercy and care of Almighty God and ask for the intercession of Our Lady of Sorrows and St. Joseph for his family as they navigate life without him.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 8th, at 10:00 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Madison. The funeral will follow at 11:30 AM, followed by the burial at Huntsville Memory Gardens.

"Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen."