Obituary for Benjamin Richard Sommerness
Benjamin Richard Sommerness, age 51, passed away unexpectedly on November 7, 2022 at his home in Excelsior, Minnesota.
Ben was born in Duluth and was a 1989 graduate of Duluth East High School. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in the top 5% of the class of 1993, and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of Captain. After serving active duty for six years, he attended the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, earning an MBA in Finance in 2001. He launched a successful business career with challenging and ascending positions driving strategy and business development at Boston Consulting Group, G&K Services, and Smiths Medical.
Ben will be remembered as a loving father, son, and brother who cherished time with his children. He was a good friend who brightened the lives of those around him; with an engaging smile and sharp wit, he could connect effortlessly with anyone. An avid outdoorsman, Ben enjoyed canoe trips in the BWCA and tirelessly chasing pheasant and turkey. He was well-traveled within the U.S. and spent significant time in Europe and Asia.
Ben is survived by his children, Aidan, Owen, Sophie, and Grace; loving mother, friend, and former spouse, Samantha; mother, Miriam; father, William (Jackie); sister, Ann Simms (Daniel); brothers, David and Peter (Jennifer), lifelong best friend, Dave Emerson, and countless other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph.
Visitation will be Friday, November 18 (4-7pm) at the Huber Funeral Home in Excelsior. Funeral service will be held at Minnewashta Church on Saturday, November 19 at 11am, with a brief visitation preceding the service (10:00-10:45). Private family internment at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, attendees are asked to donate to Pheasants Forever
Ben was born in Duluth and was a 1989 graduate of Duluth East High School. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in the top 5% of the class of 1993, and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of Captain. After serving active duty for six years, he attended the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, earning an MBA in Finance in 2001. He launched a successful business career with challenging and ascending positions driving strategy and business development at Boston Consulting Group, G&K Services, and Smiths Medical.
Ben will be remembered as a loving father, son, and brother who cherished time with his children. He was a good friend who brightened the lives of those around him; with an engaging smile and sharp wit, he could connect effortlessly with anyone. An avid outdoorsman, Ben enjoyed canoe trips in the BWCA and tirelessly chasing pheasant and turkey. He was well-traveled within the U.S. and spent significant time in Europe and Asia.
Ben is survived by his children, Aidan, Owen, Sophie, and Grace; loving mother, friend, and former spouse, Samantha; mother, Miriam; father, William (Jackie); sister, Ann Simms (Daniel); brothers, David and Peter (Jennifer), lifelong best friend, Dave Emerson, and countless other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph.
Visitation will be Friday, November 18 (4-7pm) at the Huber Funeral Home in Excelsior. Funeral service will be held at Minnewashta Church on Saturday, November 19 at 11am, with a brief visitation preceding the service (10:00-10:45). Private family internment at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, attendees are asked to donate to Pheasants Forever