Warren Owen Somerfeld

MADISON - Ralph Waldo Emerson wisely wrote: “Life is a journey, not a destination.” Each of us has unique life experiences that shape our journey, and special people that travel the path with us. Warren Owen Gerdl Somerfeld’s life journey spanned 85 years, three months, and four days -- a long and successful ride for a transportation guy!

Warren was born on Feb. 18, 1937, in LaCrosse, Wis., to Frederick E. Gerdl and Ethel Tangen Gerdl. He joined older brother, Veryel, in the family. In 1938, their mother’s untimely passing became a life-changing event for the boys. Warren went to live with their paternal grandmother and step-grandfather, Anna, and Walter Somerfeld, in Viroqua, Wis. His brother spent much of his childhood with their maternal grandparents, John Tangen and Olena Hendrickson Tangen.

As the “adopted son,” Warren appreciated the generous support his grandparents provided him. The Vernon County Teachers College was a short walk through the Somerfeld’s backyard, where he attended grades 1-6 at the model school. He then went to Viroqua Junior High and graduated from Viroqua High School in 1955. Warren highly valued the experience of growing up in the close-knit community of Viroqua, and the life-long friendships he made in those early years.

In 1960, working a summer job at the Wisconsin Highway Department, Warren met Janice Larson, another seasonal hire. The rest of that story became history. They were married on Aug. 18, 1962, at the Burke Lutheran Church, and celebrated 59 years together. They were truly best friends to one another and life partners. For Warren and Jan, family has always been everything. He was extremely proud of their three children and their accomplishments, and cherished being a grandfather.

A 1964 civil engineering graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Warren then joined the Madison Traffic Engineering Department. He felt most fortunate to begin his career working for John Bunch, who generously encouraged him and served as a role model. In January 1975, Warren was named Madison’s Director of Transportation - an honor to follow in John Bunch’s footsteps. He was grateful, too, for the confidence shown him by former Madison Mayor Paul Soglin, who nominated him for the position.

After a 31-year career with the City of Madison, Warren retired in 1995. Although his even temperament and ability to consider all “sides” of an issue served him well, he honestly did enjoy “occasional sparring” with the mayor and council. Over the years, Warren was proud to be part of the team for some of Madison’s historic “firsts” - opening the bus lane on University Avenue, turning State Street into a pedestrian mall, settling the 1975 bus strike, and voters finally approving the construction of Monona Terrace in 1992. He took pride, too, in leading the Transportation Department during a time when Madison was beginning a shift from autos to transit.  

Warren generously gave his time and expertise to professional organizations that included a life membership in the Institute of Transportation Engineers, and long-standing associations with the Wisconsin Society of Professional Engineers and the American Public Transit Association. Warren was a regular volunteer for church, school, and community activities, and recently celebrated 50 years as a Mason and Scottish Rite member. He also proudly served his country as a member of the Wisconsin Army National Guard.

Family activities included camping, canoeing, cross-country skiing, tennis and biking and travel. Family vacations were often tacked on to a work-related meeting or conference. And despite the demands of his job, Warren always made family his top priority. He was the best dad and grandpa ever!

After retirement, Warren and Jan enjoyed winter vacations in Palm Desert, Calif.  Through the years, they made many friends from across the country, and valued these special people who came into their lives.

Warren’s survivors include his wife, Jan, and three children, Anne Somerfeld, Susan Somerfeld Rusch (Michael) and Steven Somerfeld (Gena Larson), and granddaughter, Hazel Grace Rusch. Other survivors include a brother, Veryel Gerdl (Lorraine), and sister, Alice Gerdl Sloane, brother-in-law, David Larson (Laurie), and loving nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at the Burke Lutheran Church, 5720 Portage Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 20, 2022. Visitation at the church will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Burke Lutheran Church Cemetery Association or Agrace HospiceCare.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420