Eugene J. Schommer

Eugene J. Schommer, age 88, of Oak Grove Township, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 11, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems Emergency Room in Red Wing after an acute medical condition. Eugene was born on September 21, 1936, at the family homestead in Oak Grove Township to Eugene and Rose Margaret (Purfeest) Schommer. He attended St. Mary’s Big River Parochial School before graduating from Ellsworth High School in 1954. During high school, he met and fell in love with Jane Ames. The two began courting, became engaged, and were united in marriage on October 16, 1954, at St. Mary’s Big River Catholic Church. Together, they were blessed with seven children.

Eugene was a true farmer at heart. From a young age, he inherited a strong work ethic from his father and took immense pride in maintaining the family farm, established in 1854 and passed down through four generations. Over the years, he managed a dairy operation, raised beef cattle, and more recently focused on crop farming. His mornings began early, often before the birds sang, with the Boone and Erickson Show on WCCO Radio. Eugene treasured competitive euchre games with his father and brothers and relished evenings spent with his family.

When not driving his beloved International Harvester, Eugene found joy in riding around the farm and neighborhood on his Gator. After the milking operation ceased and the milk house stood empty, he transformed it into a welcoming man cave. Over the years, it became the backdrop for countless stories, laughter, and shared beers. The milk house hosted deer camp, Packer games, and pizza parties, becoming a cherished gathering place for friends and family.

Eugene and his family made many fond memories at Lake Wapogasset, spending days swimming and fishing for panfish. Despite his dedication to the farm, Eugene was civically engaged, serving on the Ellsworth Creamery Board for 30 years, as well as the Oak Grove Town Board and St. Mary’s Big River Church Council. He was immensely proud of his children and cherished his grandchildren, attending as many of their school and sporting events as possible. Eugene’s legacy is one of hard work, balanced with joy and fun. He instilled in his family the belief that being the best version of oneself leads to fulfillment.

Eugene is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Jane; his cherished children, Jeff Schommer (Sherry Chandler) of Ellsworth, Sally (Rick) Ellis of River Falls, Julie (Terry) Most of River Falls, Bill (Patti) Schommer of Hager City, David Schommer of Prescott, Steve (Beth) Schommer of River Falls, and Brad (Tiffany) Schommer of Prescott; 15 grandchildren: Tracy, Benji (Carrie), Tim (Sarah), Tiffany (John), Ryan, Megan (Tyler), Owen, Bessie, Emily, Mitchell, Paxton, Evelyn, Ella, Claire, and Hannah; and five great-grandchildren: Brett, Chloe, Blake, Olivia, and Noah. He is also survived by step-grandchildren Mike, Cory, Tracy, Will, and Kate; siblings Leroy Schommer and Carol Mercord of Prescott. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Rose (Joe) Hove and Dorothy (Dick) Frey; brother Ralph (Kathryn) Schommer; sister-in-law Catherine Schommer; and brother-in-law John Mercord.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Eugene Schommer will be held at 3:00 PM on Monday, November 18th at St. Mary’s Big River Catholic Church, rural River Falls. Visitation will take place from 12:00 PM (noon) until 3:00 PM before the service at the church. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Memorials are preferred and will be directed by the family to support causes that were meaningful to Eugene. The O’Connell Family Funeral Home of River Falls is handling the arrangements.