Address
Locke on 4th
1519 W 4th St.
Waterloo, IA 50702
Dennis Sommer, 89, of Waterloo, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026, at MercyOne Medical Center Waterloo. He was born on June 25, 1936, in Waterloo, son of Fred and Maria Fink Sommer.
Dennis graduated from Waterloo West High School in 1955 and entered a three-year enlistment with the United States Army in January 1956. Upon completion of basic training at Fort Hood, TX, he was assigned to the honor guard company 3rd Infantry Regiment, nicknamed The Old Guard, at Fort Myer, VA. He was then selected to guard the Army Chief of Staff’s home and later was chosen to be a guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Solider at Arlington National Cemetery. Dennis is a recipient of the Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge. Following his tour at the tomb he returned to his previous honor guard company and became the soloist for the United States Army Drill Team. He was honorably discharged from active duty in January 1959.
Dennis married Bonnie Burger on October 8, 1960. He worked for John Deere, Pittsburg Paints, Roberts Home Decorating, and retired from the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier on December of 1999.
He was a member of the American Legion Becker-Chapman Post 138, where he was honored with a Quilt of Valor in 2025. Dennis was also a member of The Old Guard Association of Fort Myer, VA and the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Bonnie Sommer; daughter, Brenda (Jeff) Buck; son, Jeff Sommer; three grandsons, Justin and Jesse Buck and Isaac Sommer; and seven great- grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Delores (Jerry) Hummel and Donna (Dale) Jung.
Memorial Services: 1:00 PM, Monday, January 26, 2026, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 810 Kimball Ave, Waterloo, with visitation for one hour prior to the services.
Military honors provided by American Legion Becker-Chapman Post 138 and the Iowa Army National Guard Funeral Honor Guard.
Memorials may be directed to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church or American Legion Becker-Chapman Post 138.
Locke at Tower Park is assisting the family, (319) 233-3146.
Memorial Visitation
January 26, 2026
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
810 Kimball Ave, Waterloo, IA
Memorial Service
January 26, 2026
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
810 Kimball Ave, Waterloo, IA
Thinking of you all – great man. 🙂
I love you so much, uncle Dennis. I’ll miss you forever, until we meet again.
Also, I have made a donation ot the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, tombguard.org, in memory of Dennis.
It was always a treat to see and visit with Dennis and Bonnie. I wrote a column about Dennis at the link here: https://patkinney.substack.com/p/final-roll-call-for-waterloo-arlington
It was a honor to know him as a work colleague, a patriot and a friend. Deepest condolences to Bonnie and the family,
Since I arrived ad Adjutant at the Amer Legio in Aug of 2022 Dennis and Bonnie have been there every week sitting with me in the office. There were many days when I spent afternoons just talking with him. He always said How are you young man” and greeted our Admin Mgr Sarah with “High toots”. He provided valuable advice to me in dealing with the many personalities at the Post. When I took over Commander last June hezwas there always. He never missed a monthly meeting at Post unless he was ill and always was at Vet Comm meetings. He wanted to join Legion in 1955 but the rules didn’t allow him to because Korean War was over. He actually could of been member for 71 yes. He was instrumental in just about everything we did. All while hobbling around with his walker. He will be sadly missed by myself and Sarah more than people know. Dennis your now on duty at the Guard in heaven. Hoossaahhh!!!
I met DENNIS IN 1975. He was president of the Waterloo Optimist Club when I joined. What a nice man to sell Christmas trees with. Dennis was very supportive of the baseball and softball leagues! Then a year ago the Optimist Club in our Hall of Fame. He was very appreciative of the honor. We will miss this man.
Roger Goldsberry, President OPTIMIST CLUB
We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Dennis! Sam really enjoyed conversations with Dennis on Sunday mornings when we attended Zion! Thinking of you, Bonnie, and your family!
I’m so sad to hear this. A Courier colleague in sales for many years and friend. I drove around with him when I took over his sales territory as he retired. Such a nice man. I will miss him being in the world. ❤️🤍💙🇺🇸
He was a wonderful man,,, god bless
My condolences to Bonnie and family. Dennis was a great guy and I enjoyed calling him a friend for many years.
Dennis was our Courier salesman for Clabby Catering. Dennis and Dick used to have great conversations. So sorry for your loss.
Dennis and Bonnie were dear friends of my parents. I have fond memories of all the good times we all had. Sending my deepest sympathy to Bonnie and her family.
I am deeply saddened at the news of my dearest uncle Dennis’ passing. He was my favorite. I will never forget him.
I worked with Dennis at the Waterloo Courier until his retirement. He was one of my favorite co workesr. He was always telling the most interesting stories and gave the best Christmas gifts. He will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Dennis was a wonderful uncle, always easy to talk to, and always had an interesting story to tell. How he remembered all
the things he learned was amazing. I imagine he is in heaven now with my mom and dad, and all his other friends and family,
laughing it up like they used to all the time.
We are sending our heartfelt sympathy to You and Jeff and Family. May all your cherished memories of your Dad bring peace and lasting comfort. Warm hugs and love, Sherry and Jim
On behalf of the leadership and members of the Old Guard Association, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment, we extend our deepest condolences on the passing of Dennis. As a member of our brotherhood/sisterhood, his service and dedication to our nation will never be forgotten. We stand with your family during this difficult time, offering our unwavering support and gratitude for his life of service. Rest in peace brother.