Harry Elmer Sommerfield

Harry Elmer Sommerfield; age 84; of Lake Orion, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Harry was the beloved husband of Caroline Sommerfield; and a devoted father to Kathy (Clayton) Miller, Dawn Kelly, Cindy Sleeman, Rick (Otto) Buchanan, and Kim Sommerfield. He was a proud and loving Papaw to Casey, CJ, Brittney, Madalyn, Braelyn, Hunter, Christina, Shannon, Mark (Candi), Amanda, Hailey, Maria, Zander, Sarah, and Travis; and a cherished great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather to many.

He is also survived by his siblings, Bob (Lynette) Summerfield, Rodney (Janet) Sommerfield, Roger (Debbie) Sommerfield, Darrell Sommerfield, Rick (Tammie) Sommerfield, and Beverly (Kevin) Smith.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Emma Sommerfield; his siblings Donald Sommerfield, Darlene Street, and Barbra Haski; and his son, Forrest Sommerfield.

Born on January 7, 1941, in Alpena, Michigan, Harry was one of ten children and carried a lifetime of stories, wisdom, and experience. He retired from General Motors in the early 2000s after 39 years of hard work and dedication.

Harry loved the simple joys of life—fishing, hunting, tinkering in the garage, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was an avid fan of the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Lions, and Saturdays in the fall were reserved for college football. He could often be found in his beloved recliner. Thanksgiving was spent comfortably in front of the television watching the Lions.

A cancer survivor and a man of strong will and determination, Harry was known for his stubborn streak, his habit of logging and tracking everything, and his playful sense of humor—often moving things around just to tease Caroline. He loved crossword and Sudoku puzzles, spoiled his dog Kairi, and proudly told the story of the “10-point buck” mounted in the living room—though the truth was that it was Caroline’s.

Harry had a love for Harleys, sports, and helping others whenever he could. He was a man who always showed up for the people he loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 10, 2025 from 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the American Legion Post 108, 130 E. Drahner Rd., Oxford, Michigan. Family and friends are invited to attend and pay their respects in their best Red Wings, Lions, or Harley attire—just as Harry would have wanted.

Harry leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, humor, and always being there. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers,  the family asks that any memorial donations be made to the family.