Joseph Somers

Joseph M. Somers, 78, of Waukegan passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago. He was born on July 21, 1933 in Portland, Maine. On February 11, 1960 in San Diego, California, Joseph married Sheila M. Chapman.
He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Sheila M. Somers; four children, James M. Somers of Waukegan, Pierce W. (Debbie) Somers of Zion, David R. (Laura) Somers of Portsmouth, Virginia and Sharon (David) Badzioch of Glendale, Arizona; seven grandchildren, Daron Somers, Ryan (Cynthia) Somers, William Warden, Robert Warden, Brandon Warden, Jonathon Badzioch and Megan Badzioch; one great grandson, Ethan Somers and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William J. and Nora (Moore) Somers and one brother, Michael and Joanne (Foster) Somers.
Joseph served in the United States Navy from 1952-1980, and earned medals from his service in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, retiring as Senior Chief. He was a life member of the Homer Dahringer Post 281 in Waukegan and the Post Commander from 1999-2001. Joseph enjoyed collecting stamps, genealogy, gardening, playing horseshoes, bowling and bicycling. In 1980, Joseph bicycled with two of his sons from Waukegan all the way to Alexandria, New Hampshire to visit his brother.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 25, 2011 from 2-5pm at WARREN FUNERAL HOME, 1475 N. Cemetery Rd., Gurnee. Funeral services will take place on Monday, September 26, 2011 at 10am at the funeral home with Pastor Don Tremper officiating from Immanuel Church in Gurnee. Burial will follow at Warren Cemetery & Mausoleum, Gurnee with Military Honors at the graveside. A luncheon will be held at Immanuel Church following the burial.