Patricia Mae (Yahnke) Sommers

MIDDLETON - Patricia Mae (Yahnke) Sommers passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Thursday, October 22, 2026. She passed on the same day just hours before her beloved sister, Dorothy Cooper of Stone Lake, Wis. Patricia was born on February 5, 1934, in Freeport, Ill., to Edward and Gertrude (Zunker) Yahnke. She graduated from Freeport High School in 1952. On April 16, 1955, she married the literal boy next door, Daniel Sommers.

They moved to Madison, Wis., and Pat worked at General Casualty Insurance while helping to put Dan through school at the University of Wisconsin. They raised four children in Madison before building their dream home on Deer Run Heights in Cross Plains. In her free time, she enjoyed Judy Garland music, movies, UW sports, and sharing articles from the newspaper. At Christmastime, she took great pleasure in overstuffing stockings for her children and grandchildren.

Patricia was a wonderful spouse, mom, Gippy, aunt, and friend. She was a talented artist, even hand drawing her children’s birthday invitations. She was thoughtful, a sympathetic listener, infinitely patient, and made people feel special. Patricia supported her family through every move, birth, and important occasion, always helping with these life changes.

Patricia is survived by her children, Darcy (Bill) Deno of Middleton, Doak (Jill) Sommers of Verona and Dawn (Dave) Cohen of Green, Ohio. Patricia was “Gippy” to her six grandchildren, Karly (Zak Brown) Deno, Drake (Alli Linssen) Deno, Denton Cohen, Jordan Sommers, Madison Cohen and Claire Sommers. She is also survived by her loving sister-in-law, Barbara Sommers, as well as members of the Cooper family. She was preceded in death by her parents; infant sister, Betty Lou; spouse, Daniel Sommers; daughter, Dana Ibold; and beloved Norwegian Elkhound, Shane.

Our deepest gratitude goes to Covenant Oaks and Agrace HospiceCare staff for their loving care.

In keeping with Patricia’s wishes, no services will be held. Please feel free to make a donation to the charity of your choice in remembrance of Patricia. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761