Willis John Sommer, 71, died June 23, 2017, at Bridge Hospice Care Center in Findlay.  Willis was born Aug. 1, 1945, in Gridley, Illinois, to the late Willis and Aldine (Oyer) Sommer.  On May 22, 1976, he married Betty Detwiler Sommer who survives. 

Willis graduated from Gridley High School in Gridley, Illinois, and then received his degree in Business Administration from Bluffton College and later his Master's degree from Ohio University. 

Following college, he served four years with Mennonite Central Committee in Vietnam and Indonesia working in rural development.  He then served as the director of Menno Travel Service in Ephrata, Pennsylvania.

Willis taught business and accounting at Bluffton University for 15 years, followed by 16 years as Vice President for Fiscal Affairs.  He was an active member of First Mennonite Church in Bluffton, and served on numerous boards and committees for church organizations. 

Most recently he served on the boards of Mennonite Central Committee Great Lakes and Adriel School.  Willis was active in the local Lions Club and Swiss Community Historical Society. 

Survivors also include a daughter, Jennifer (Darby) Benroth of Bluffton; a son, Matthew (Emily Palmquist) Sommer of Flagstaff, Arizona; two grandsons, Bodey and Barrett Benroth; and two sisters, Irma (Frank) Grusy of Gridley, Illinois and Kay (John) Reimer of Normal, Illinois. 

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday July 1, at First Mennonite Church in Bluffton with Pastors Wanda Stopher and George O'Reilly officiating. 

Private burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery in Bluffton.  Visitation will be held Friday from 2 - 4 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m. at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services in Bluffton.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Mennonite Church, Bluffton University, Mennonite Central Committee or Adriel School.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.