Betty Jane Sommers

Betty Jane Sommers (nee Schoenwalder), age 94, of Waukesha, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Betty was born on April 16, 1932, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, to Joseph and Mae Schoenwalder. She graduated from Waukesha High School in 1950. Following her graduation, she and a close friends founded a group galled “The Nifty 50’s”. They enjoyed monthly gatherings together for over 50 years.

She enjoyed her early working years at Waukesha State Bank and Hein-Warner, went on to work as a church secretary at First Congregational Church for 25 years. It was there that Betty became an important part of the church community and formed many lifelong friendships.

Betty’s first marriage was to Erwin Hollenbeck and they raised three daughters. She later met and married the love of her life, Leroy Sommers. Together, they shared many wonderful adventures and a love of travel and antique collecting. Betty was also very active in her community and was involved with the Moor Downs Women's Golf League, the Plymouth Circle at First Congregational Church, and the Jaycees.

Betty had a love for life and enjoyed many activities throughout the years. She modeled clothing at The Style Shop in Waukesha and loved swimming, bowling, golfing, clothes shopping and boating. Above all else, Betty cherished being a mother. Her children and family were the greatest joy in her life, and she treasured the time she spent with them.

Betty will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Roxanne (Christopher) Moreau, Vicki Hollenbeck, and Debra (Mark) Egloff; her grandchildren, Christopher (Elissa) Derksen, Casey, Kelly and Cody Torp, Benjamin and Kaytlin Egloff; her brother, Joseph Schoenwalder; as well as great grandchildren, extended family and many dear friends. The family wishes to thank the care team at Touching Hearts at Home for loving care over the past 2 years.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leroy Sommers; her parents, Joseph and Mae Schoenwalder; and her sisters, Marie Nichols and Sally Herbst.

Betty had a way of bringing warmth and happiness to those around her, and her family will forever cherish the memories, laughter and love she shared with them. Her familiar words, “The sun is out! Looks like it’s going to be a beautiful day!” perfectly captured her outlook on life. She also loved to remind her husband, Leroy, “I love you a bushel and a peck, and a bushel and a peck with a hug around the neck.”

A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, beginning at 10:00AM until the start of the funeral service at 11:30AM at First Congregational Church, 100 E. Broadway, Waukesha, WI 53186. Interment will take place at Prairie Home Cemetery immediately following the service.

Betty's family invites all who knew and loved her to join them in celebrating a life filled with family, friendship, laughter and beautiful memories.

“The sun is out! Looks like it’s going to be a beautiful day! Now be sure you lock the door!”