Nicholas Josiah Sommer, 101, beloved husband, father and grandfather, died of causes incident to age on Oct. 22, 2014 at his home in Ramona, California. He was born Jul 13, 1913 at Hibbard, Idaho to Edward Sommer and Alice Ethel (Hendricks) Sommer. He was welcomed by an older sister, Erma Mary, and joined by two sisters; Harriet Ellen and Hazel; and two brothers; Etsel Edward and Jack. A sister, Lillis, died in infancy, and a third brother died at birth.

Known as "Jode" during his life in the Rexburg area, he farmed, and worked at various jobs until he discovered his ability at masonry. Many homes and structures in the western states bear his brick-laying talents. Although he had little formal education, he was capable of learning almost anything and had a successful career as a mason contractor.

Jode married Kerma Gail White on Dec. 24, 1937 at the Sommer home in Hibbard and they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on Dec. 2, 1938. To this union, six children were born: two daughters; Deanna (Larry) Orme, Donna Lou (Blaine) Rawlins and four sons: Steven Nicholas (Karen) Sommer, Daniel Josiah Sommer, Christopher Sommer, and David Edward (Regina) Sommer. Kerma and Jode were divorced in 1969.

Jode was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many positions over his lifetime. He loved missionary work and serving in the temple.

Jode moved to California in the 1960's, to lay the brick on the Ventura Stake Center. He made many friends there and enjoyed the milder climate where he could lay brick year-round. He soon became known as "Nick," and he found a wonderful companion in Catharine Norton, whom he married Jul. 9, 1970. They found a nice spot to raise their family in Ramona, where Nick made many friends because of his friendly disposition and willingness to serve others. They had three children: Jeremy Mace Sommer, Braidy Max (Jodi) Sommer, and Jodi Lyn (Derek) Heap.

Nick continued to enhance his surroundings with beautiful brick and stonework, well into his 80's, when he finally retired. The next 20 years were spent on his garden, reading, improving his home and working in San Diego temple. He was always busy, always engaged in something worthwhile.

Nick's posterity include 25 grandchildren, 65 great-grandchildren, and 36 great-great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Kerma, five siblings, two children, two grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. His life was full of trials, and he tried to learn from each of them. From some of his writings, he offered this beautiful sentiment, "I thank the Lord from the very bottom of my heart for His patience with me. I hope to overcome evil and become worthy of the blessings given to me."

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, at the Hibbard LDS chapel. The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. at the church prior to services. Interment will be in the Rexburg Cemetery under the direction of Flamm Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent online to www.flammfh.com.