Our beloved Mom and Oma, Hildegard "Hildchen" Sommerkorn, passed away on May 20, 2014, in Sandy, Utah.
Hildegard Gerda Mueller was born on May 30, 1932 in Cottbus, Germany. Her father Hans was killed during World War II, leaving his wife Elsbeth to raise Hildchen and her older brother George in difficult circumstances at the end of the war and then under the Russian occupation of East Germany. Hildchen escaped to West Berlin in 1951, followed soon after by her mother and brother. They were relocated to Darmstadt, Germany, where she met Karl-Heinz Sommerkorn. They were married on Christmas Eve 1952, and son Wilford was born the following September. Both had joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the days following the war, and in 1954 they emigrated to Utah to be near the Saints, settling in Salt Lake City.
Hildchen became a baker and worked at Schmidt's Pastry Shop, and then ran her own business for many years. A second son, George, was born in 1955, but at age 4 succumbed to complications from the measles. Son Michael and daughter Monica joined the family in the 1960's.
Hildchen loved to cook, bake, and knit, making everyone lots of sweaters and socks. She was also a great playwright, writing many skits and theater pieces that were performed in her beloved German Speaking Ward.
For the last 40 years, Hildchen and Karl-Heinz lived in South Jordan, where Opa passed away some 4 years ago. Oma loved her family, and will be sorely missed.
Hildchen is survived by her sons, Wilford and Michael, and daughter Monica. She also has 12 grandchildren and 7 (soon to be 8) great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at the German Speaking Ward, 721 S. 1200 East, Salt Lake City, at 11:00 am on May 27. A viewing will be held prior at 10:00 am. A viewing will also be held on Monday May 26, 6:00 ‚ 8:00 pm at the Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City. Interment will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
