A Celebration of Life service to honor the life and legacy of Curtis Sommerland, age 83, of Jackson, will be held at Salem Lutheran Church on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM, with a time of visitation and gathering from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. The service will be livestreamed on the Salem Lutheran Church Facebook page.

Curtis Eugene Sommerland was born on August 3, 1942, in Jackson to Erling and Alice (Johnson) Sommerland. He was baptized on September 6, 1942, and confirmed on June 16, 1957, at Bethany Lutheran Church. Curtis attended Jackson High School and graduated with the class of 1960. He later continued his education and earned a boilers license.

Curtis worked various jobs throughout his life. He was employed as a janitor at Jackson School District and later as a maintenance worker at Cuddy Farms. He also served as a rural mail carrier and worked for Toro. However, the job that truly fulfilled Curtis's heart was farming. Throughout his life, he farmed and generously lent a hand to many farmers in the community.

Curtis married the love of his dearest friend, Ruth Allen, on June 26, 1965, at Bethany Lutheran Church. Their marriage was a partnership rooted in devotion, laughter, and unwavering support for one another. Together they built a warm and loving home, and their union was enriched by the arrival of three sons—Michael, Kevin, and Brent—each of whom brought their own joy and pride into Curtis and Ruth's lives. Their family became the heart of everything Curtis cherished, a testament to the deep affection and steadfast commitment he and Ruth shared throughout their many years together.

Curtis was very proud of his Norwegian heritage, especially his love for lefse and lutefisk. He also made sure to read the Jackson Pilot every week. Farming, gardening, and working on cars were among his favorite pastimes.

Curtis had a gift for bringing joy into any room he entered. His quick wit and playful sense of humor were as much a part of him as his smile, and he had an uncanny ability to lift others' spirits with a joke, a story, or a perfectly timed remark. Yet just as memorable as his laughter was his generosity. Curtis was the kind of person who stepped forward whenever someone needed help—no hesitation, no conditions, simply a compassionate instinct to give. Whether offering his time, his skills, or a listening ear, he gave freely and wholeheartedly. His kindness and humor left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Curtis passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Lakefield, with his beloved wife by his side.

Left to cherish his everlasting memory is his wife, Ruth; sons, Michael (Holly) Sommerland, Kevin (Kimberly) Sommerland, Brent Sommerland; grandchildren, Mackenzie Sommerland, Havanna Sommerland, Taylor (Jacob) Hoyer, Shelden Sommerland, Brenna Sommerland; great grandchildren, Mia, Anthony, Adelaide, Julian; sister, Carol (Harlow) Kolander; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Curtis in death were his parents, Erling and Alice.