Catherine Ritsema Sommerfelt

Catherine Ritsema Sommerfelt, 71, a lifelong resident of Paw Paw, went home to her Lord and Savior May 17, 2023, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. 

Born into the world March 8, 1952, Catherine was one of five children. She was a faithful member at Trinity Lutheran Church of Paw Paw, where she was baptized and confirmed June 20, 1999. For 34 years, Catherine was a dedicated employee at the Van Buren County Prosecutors Office. She had a green thumb and a love for gardening. The attention to detail could be appreciated throughout her garden. She was able to share this hobby with fellow gardeners who were part of the Carnegie Garden Club of Paw Paw. Her hobbies expanded to crafting and scrap booking as well. She handcrafted many items for family members and friends from her needlework. She had a treasure trove of unique collections spanning from paperweights and strawberries to Longaberger Baskets. One of her fondest memories was traveling to Ohio to tour the Longaberger factory. 

The center of Catherine's life was her family. She loved to travel and was able to visit 37 out of the 50 states over the course of her life. She and her siblings always arranged a reunion every year to spend time together. Catherine was designated to find the house to rent for the week. They always made sure to stay in areas and states where there was plenty to see and do for the siblings and their spouses. Most near and dear to Catherine's heart were her grandchildren. She treasured the times she spent babysitting while they were growing up and taking them to places they needed to be. 

On April 15, 1972, in Kalamazoo, Catherine married Dale Sommerfelt who survives.

She is also survived by her two daughters, Jennifer Sommerfelt of Portage and Sarah (Scott) Overholt of Portage, granddaughter, Madelyn Overholt, grandson, Landon Overholt, two brothers, Kenneth Knobloch of Exton, PA and Keith (Suzi) Harris of Lawrence, her sister, Camille Daniel of Portage, nieces, Stephanie (Charlie) Dorr, Michelle (Karl) Sell, and Angela (Jeff) Gasper, nephews, Stuart (Betsy) Cornish and Ian Berner and Randy Lee Sommerfelt, along with great nieces and great nephews. 

Catherine was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Harris and her sister, Carolyn Harris.

Family and friends are invited to visit Sunday, May 21, 2023, from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home, 502 West Michigan Ave., Paw Paw. Funeral services will follow Monday, May 22, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 721 Pine Street, Paw Paw, with Rev. Ronald C. Moritz officiating. Visitation will also be held Monday at church from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Catherine will be laid to rest at Wildey Cemetery, Paw Paw. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to Bronson Cancer Center or Trinity Lutheran School. 

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