Grace’s new baby, August, is actually almost two years old, and I am officially too old to understand how text messages work. Sorry about that.
Bill Putnam Is With His Savior Now
As you know, our beloved cousin, brother, nephew, father, uncle, grandpa and great grandpa William (Bill) David Putnam went to be with his savior on Friday, August 2nd, 2024.
Services for Papa Bill will be on Sunday, August 11th at Hope Lutheran Chapel in Osage Beach, MO. The address of Hope Lutheran Chapel is:
5709 Osage Beach Parkway
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Times:
- 12:00 Immediate Family Arrives
- 1:00 Visitation (the rest of us)
- 2:00 Celebration of Life with Military Honors
- 3:00 Dinner in the church basement
I’ll post the obituary, as well as a link that you can use to leave a memorial donation in lieu of flowers. As always, please keep the Putnam family in your prayers.
2024 Reunion After-Action-Review
Customarily, I write up my thoughts on this year’s reunion and possible changes for next year. You guys are all welcome to add your own thoughts and ideas in the comments below. It’s a lot more fun if you do.
2025 reunion dates: Friday, July 4th to Sunday, July 6th
We had a total of about 102 people at the reunion this year, including about 10 of the “Nebraska Sommerers” who I’ve been inviting down for years. If was nice that some of them could make it, and I was disappointed that I missed them by a few hours. They are about your third cousins (more or less, depending on who you are).
Including the money given during church, you guys raised a little over $13,000 for the outdoor kitchen during the reunion, which brings the total to over $18,000. So nice work everyone. You’ll also be happy to know that the “Jim’s Beer fund” is fully endowed thanks to a generous donation made in Greer Baker’s name. A more fitting tribute to Greer could not possibly have been found.
Also, Linda and Bill have donated the money for the bricks for our family members who have passed away recently. You guys are the best.
Several people told me, and I completely agree, that taking the family picture before supper was an excellent idea, and we should continue to do that in the future. We didn’t have people wandering off, and it gave us at least a half hour more daylight for the softball game.
I also thought that the fans for the potluck tables were a great addition as well. Let’s do that again as well.
Thanks to everyone who signed up on the job boards. If you felt like there were not enough people to do a job with you, say something in the comments, and we’ll add more people to that job. If there are additional jobs that need to be added, please mention that as well.
Sam and I talked about coming up with a better system for hanging things up. We’ll work on that for next year.
I thought the meals went pretty well this year. Some of you told me that for lunch we ended up with:
- Too many olives (one small black and one small green would be fine).
- Too much snack cheese. I don’t know if I agree with that, because I took the extra home (Thanks Andrew), and have been enjoying it very much.
- Not quite enough sandwich cheese (this was actually my fault, and didn’t have anything to do with the list).
- Exactly the right amount of lettuce. I mean, like, to the leaf.
It’s pretty hard to predict just what we will need for lunch, because we make the list before we know how many people are coming. Your best bet is to sign up for something that you wouldn’t mind having to take the extras home with you. But I do appreciate the feedback, and will adjust the items for next year accordingly. As always, add any additional changes needed in the comments below.
We were maybe a little heavy on the main dishes, and a little light on sides and salads the first night. I don’t know what everyone brings for that first night, so I’m not entirely sure what the fix is. It could be signing up for two of those three items, or maybe just a spot we can say what we’re bringing so that people can look at the list and decide what they want to bring. Or maybe it wasn’t a problem at all, and I should leave well enough alone.
Summer(er) Kitchen Update
Jim sent in this update about the Outdoor Kitchen Project:
Hello all! This is an approximate drawing of the Sommerer Kitchen. The size will be 13′ 6″ X 13′ 6″. This drawing doesn’t show it, But I have an approximately 30″ x 72″ very nice grill. It will be free standing, and possibly movable. The estimated cost of this project will be around $15,500, for the Cadillac. Materials only! Janine is on board and ready to get started this fall but we are short of funds.
We’ve been talking about this for a couple of years, and have donated some money toward the project. You can read what we’ve said in the past here. Maybe we should do a special collection this year? We did something similar for the new roof project a few years ago and raised over $10,000.
Reunion 2024 (Reservation Information)
Below is general information for the 2024 Sommerer Family Reunion. If you are looking for the rest of the information on the reunion, head back to the start page. There are pages for general information, reservations, schedules, and meals. If you have questions after reading these posts, please feel free to ask your question below in the comments.
If you have questions about reservations after reading this post, please feel free to call Christina. You could call her at 636.485.1369 or email her at cmrowland22772@yahoo.com. You can always post your question below.
NOTE 1: In order to get an accurate count for meal planning, we are asking for reservations even if you do not need lodging. Use the same form at the bottom of the page, just ignore the lodging parts.
NOTE 2: Aunts and Uncles will have the same room as last year unless they say differently. You can start making reservations now, including reservations for the Spitz center for any rooms that are left after the aunts and uncles have theirs. All reservations should be in by May 30th.
NOTE 3: After our oldest family members have spots, all reservations will be first come, first served.
NOTE 4: Children 15 years and younger stay free.
Here are your lodging options:
Camper Sites: (Still Available) ***Available on Thursday after 3:00 pm***
9 camper sites are available with full electric hookup; even numbers are inside the loop, odd on the outside. Cost is $45.00 per camper/RV/tent per night. Additional tents are $15.00 each. Camping in the tenting area across from the ball field is $15.00 per tent.
- Site 1: Danny & Denise Sommerer
- Site 2: (still available)
- Site 3: Lance & Layken Sommerer
- Site 4: (still available)
- Site 5: Whitni & Josh Upton
- Site 6: Christina & Paul Rowland
- Site 7: Chance & Emily Sommerer
- Site 10: David & Joni Sommerer
Spitz Center ***Available on Thursday after 3:00 pm***
13 fully furnished rooms, all with private baths. Cost is $80.00 per night for 1 or 2 guests with a $20.00 additional charge for each guest after the first 2. The rooms in the Spitz Center will be reserved for the aunts and uncles like last year. The remaining rooms are available on a first come, first served basis.
Spitz Center rooms on the main level:
- Room 300 queen bed & queen sleeper sofa (sleeps 4 total) (Scott Baker – arrive Friday)
- Room 302 queen bed & queen sleeper sofa (sleeps 4 total) (Mary Jane Piazza & Linda Lock – Arrive Saturday)
- Room 304 queen bed & queen sleeper sofa (sleeps 4 total) (Alexa Singh – arrive Friday)
- Room 306 queen bed & queen sleeper sofa (sleeps 4 total) (Jim & Sherri Sommerer – arrive Friday)
- Room 308 queen bed & queen sleeper sofa (sleeps 4 total) (Becky & Glen & Debbie – Arrive Wednesday)
- Room 310 queen bed & queen sleeper sofa (sleeps 4 total Full HANDICAPPED Room) Lloyd and Jane Sommerer
- Room 312 queen bed & queen sleeper sofa (sleeps 4 total Partial Handicapped) Lolly Sommerer
- Day Spring room has 2 queen sleeper sofa (sleeps 4 total) (Wyatt Ducos)
- Living Waters room queen bed & 2 bunks (sleeps 6 total) Sam & Rachel Sommerer
Spitz Center rooms on the lower level:
- Room 200 queen bed & 2 bunk beds (sleeps 6 total) (Steve Sommerer – Arrive Friday)
- Room 202 queen bed & 2 bunk beds (sleeps 6 total) (Doug & Melissa Sommerer – Arrive Friday)
- Room 204 queen bed, queen sofa bed & 1 bunk bed (sleeps 6 total) (Julie Baker – Arrive Friday)
- Room 206 queen bed, queen sofa bed & 1 bunk bed (sleeps 6) (Brittney Jones – Arrive Friday)
Gospel Hostel (each unit sleeps 12) ***NOT AVAILABLE THIS YEAR***
Each of the 4 bunkrooms contain six bunk beds and private bathrooms. Each room sleeps 12 and is air conditioned. There is a common room that connects these. Must provide own bedding and towels. First night cost: $80.00 (for up to 4 guests) additional guests, after the first 4, will cost $20.00 each. Cost after the first night: $60.00 (for up to 4 guests) additional guests, after the first 4, will cost $15.00 each.
GCL Counselor Cabin (each unit sleeps 10) ***Available on Thursday after 3:00 pm***
Each of the 2 bunkrooms contain five bunk beds and private bathrooms. Each room sleeps 10 and is air conditioned. There is a common room that connects these. Must provide own bedding and towels. First night cost: $80.00 (for up to 4 guests) additional guests, after the first 4, will cost $20.00 each. Cost after the first night: $60.00 (for up to 4 guests) additional guests, after the first 4, will cost $15.00 each.
- A (Derek & Maxine Sommerer – Arrive Friday)
- B (Mickey & Tammy Sommerer – Arrive Friday)
Bell House (each room sleeps 12) ***Available on Thursday after 3:00 pm***
Each of the 2 bunkrooms contain six bunk beds and private bathrooms. Each room sleeps 12 and is air conditioned. There is a common room that connects these. Must provide own bedding and towels. First night cost: $80.00 (for up to 4 guests) additional guests, after the first 4, will cost $20.00 each. Cost after the first night: $60.00 (for up to 4 guests) additional guests, after the first 4, will cost $15.00 each.
- A (Merideth & Scot Nitzel – Arriving Friday)
- B (Still Available)
Blunk House (each room sleeps 14-16) ***Available on Thursday after 3:00 pm***
Each of the 4 bunkrooms contain seven to eight bunk beds. All rooms share dormitory style bathrooms. Each room sleeps 14-16 people, is air conditioned, with common room in front. Must provide own bedding and towels. First night cost: $80.00 (for up to 4 guests) additional guests, after the first 4, will cost $20.00 each. Cost after the first night: $60.00 (for up to 4 guests) additional guests, after the first 4, will cost $15.00 each.
- A (Still Available)
- B (Still Available)
- C (still available)
- D (still available)
Cabins 1, 2 & 3 ***Available on Thursday after 3:00 pm***
Cost is $85.00 per night for 1 or 2 guests with a $20.00 additional charge for each guest after the first two.
- Cabin 1 has 1 Bunkroom (sleeps 8), 1 Bath, Kitchenette, and a Deck (Still Available)
- Cabin 2 has 2 Bedrooms (sleeps 4), 1 Bath, Kitchenette, and a Deck on waterfront (Still Available)
- Cabin 3 has 1 Bedroom, a Bunkroom, (sleeps 8)1 Bath, Kitchenette and a Deck on waterfront (Still Available)
The Lodge ***No longer available to rent***
Ideal for large extended family to stay in one location. 6 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 1 queen sofa-sleeper. Full kitchen & air condition. Sleeps 12 with room for travel baby beds. Cost is $75.00 per night for 1-2 guests. Additional guests will cost $20.00 each.
Non-Lodging Reservations
We are listing people/groups here who are coming for one or more days, but who will not require lodging at Heit’s Point. This is to ensure that we have an accurate count for purchasing food. If you know someone who is coming, but not spending the night, tell them about this, because it is newish.
Making Reservations
New this year, fill out the form below to make your reservation.
Reservation Form
Feel free to post any question or comments below –or call Christina at (636) 485-1369.
Reunion 2024 (Meal Information)
Below is general information for the 2024 Sommerer Family Reunion. If you are looking for the rest of the information on the reunion, head back to the start page. There are pages for general information, reservations, schedules, and meals. If you have questions after reading these posts, please feel free to ask your question below in the comments.
NOTE 1: Help us figure out how much food to buy:
We are asking for the number of people coming with you when you give Christina your reservation information, even if they are not staying the night. This should include any friends you or your children are bringing.
NOTE 2: What if my numbers change?
If you need to change your numbers at a later date, be sure you let Christina know before June 14th so the wonderful people who actually purchase the food for breakfast and the meat for supper are able to get enough for everyone. If you need to make changes after June 14th, you will need to contact each of these people: Jim or Sheri Sommerer, Courtney Knipp, and Whitni Upton.
NOTE 3: What to bring for lunch on Saturday?
There is a sign-up sheet at the bottom of this page for what to bring for lunch on Saturday. If you are a son or daughter of Adolf & Theresa Sommerer or a spouse of same, you are not supposed to sign up for anything on the list. You have been warned!
NEW NOTE 4: Disposable Tablecloths:
We would like each family to bring two disposable tablecloths to put on the tables we eat on. We are hoping this will cut down on the items that fall to the floor and make meal clean up quicker.
Breakfast (at The Pavilion)
Second cousins (that means one of your grandparents was a son or daughter of Adolph & Theresa Sommerer) are in charge of breakfasts, with Whitni Upton and Courtney Knipp typically getting things organized, contact them to find out how you can help.
- Thursday, July 4 on your own
- Friday, July 5 tentatively on your own (we will revisit this after we see the numbers)
- Saturday, July 6 at 8:00 (prep at 7:00) <—this time is the same as last year
- Sunday, July 7 at 8:00 (prep at 7:00)
Lunch (at The Pavilion)
Lunch is meant to be a quick break between swimming, visiting, and everything else. It is sandwiches, chips, and fruit, and you can sign up for what you will bring at the bottom of this page.
- Thursday, July 4 on your own
- Friday, July 5 tentatively on your own (we will revisit this after we see the numbers)
- Saturday, July 6 at 12:00 pm (bring your food by 11:50)
- Sunday, July 7 on your own
Supper (at The Pavilion)
The second best part of the reunion is the potlucks. Remember to bring enough sides/desserts for everyone in your family who will be there for the potlucks. Plan on having your food out on the tables about 10 minutes before the meal is scheduled to begin.
- Thursday, July 4 on your own
- Friday, July 5 at 6:00pm potluck: bring main dish and sides
- NOTE: Becky says that Charlie’s Restaurant has permenantly closed, so if you normally went there on Friday, you needed to make other plans.
- Saturday, July 6 at 6:00pm potluck: meat provided, bring sides/desserts
- Sunday, July 7 on your own
Historical Note on Saturday Meals:
- 2017 (breakfast 8:00, lunch 12:00, dinner 6:00) People said that all we did was prepare to eat and eat. They wanted to try 2 group meals, and to eat the evening meal earlier to have more time for softball.
- 2018 (breakfast 9:30, dinner 4:00) We didn’t actually eat until 6:00 because the meat took a while to cook. The people next wanted to try lunch & dinner as our 2 group meals instead of breakfast & dinner.
- 2019 (lunch 11:00, dinner 5:00) People said that people took too long to come to the Pavilion because there wasn’t breakfast, and they decided to go back to three meals, but we’re still going to try to have the last one earlier.
- 2020 Covid, no reunion. We all sat at home thinking about Danny.
- 2021 (breakfast 8:00, lunch 11:00, dinner 5:00) I (Lloyd) was sick in bed in his cabin all day Saturday, and doesn’t really have any idea what happened. Apparently, Dinner was around 7:30. I’m not sure why.
- 2022 (breakfast 8:00, lunch 11:00, dinner 5:00) Lunch and Dinner were both about an hour later than planned. We are changing the timeline to these times for 2023.
- 2023 (breakfast 8:00, lunch 12:00, dinner 6:00) Meals were roughly on time?
Sign-up Sheet for Lunch on Saturday:
In the past Debbie & Becky assigned us stuff to bring for lunch on Saturday. Then we didn’t have lunch on Saturday as a group, now we’re doing a sign-up sheet. Pick out one or more items to bring for lunch on Saturday. If you’re bringing more people, or feel particularly generous, sign up for more items. You can claim an item by making a comment below or by sending Lloyd an email at Lloyd@LloydAndLauren.com. Questions about how much or what kind? Use your judgement. It’s a picnic lunch type of thing. If you know that the quantity listed here is too much or not enough, because you brought it last year, let Lloyd know.
Last year there was a lot of cheese for lunch. I think that’s because about 3 of us thought, “I won’t sign up for anything. I’ll just bring down whatever is left on the list.” That was a good thought, but I think we know now that it isn’t so good in practice. I’ll sign up for something before the last day this year. You should too.
NOTE: Becky and Debbie wanted me to reiterate that we do not want Aunt Mary Lynn, Aunt Lolly, Uncle Lloyd or Aunt Jane to bring anything on the list. They have done enough.
The MeatDebbie & BeckyCondimentsDebbie & BeckyPlates, Napkins and suchDebbie & BeckySliced Cheese (4 packages)Lloyd & Lauren SommererSliced Cheese (4 packages)Lloyd & Lauren SommererSnack CheeseAndrew SommererGrapes (about 3lbs)Katie and Anthony RingwaldGrapes (about 3lbs)Katie and Anthony RingwaldWatermelon/Cantaloupe/Strawberry mixLinda LockeWatermelon (better bring a knife to cut it with too)Scott & Som BakerCookies (2 packages or batches)Micky & Tammy SommererCookies (2 packages or batches)Danny & Denise SommererChips – potato (3 bags)Joseph SommererChips – potato or otherwise (3 bags)Derick & Maxine Sommerer- Chips – anything but potato (3 bags)
Juice boxes (a flat?)Doug & Mel SommererJuice boxes (a flat?)Sam & Rachel SommererSome form of editable insectSam & Rachel SommererBread (4 loafs)Micky & Tammy SommererBread (4 loafs)Andrew Sommerer- Bread (4 loafs)
Lettuce (2 heads, torn in sandwich type sizes)Christina & Paul Rowland- Lettuce (2 heads, torn in sandwich type sizes)
- Onions
Tomatoes (a dozen? Sliced)Danny & Denise SommererBlack Olives (2 cans sliced)Dave & Joni SommererGreen Olives (2 large jars)Doug & Mel SommererPickle slices, (2 jars – different kinds?)Christina & Paul RowlandPickles (2 jars dill & 2 jars sweet)Pete SommererCarrots (4lbs ready to eat)Merideth Nitzel- Cauliflower (2 heads, cut up)
Oranges (2 bags)Derick & Maxine SommererApples (2 bags)Derick & Maxine Sommerer- Cantaloupe and/or Honeydew melons (cut)
Jalapeños (1 jar)Dave & Joni SommererRanch Dressing (1 bottle) Merideth Nitzel- Anything else for sandwiches (let Lloyd know)
- Anything else for snacks (let Lloyd know)
Fruit Snacks to spoil the kids!Linda Lockea gallon jar of pepperoncini peppersJulie Baker- Anything else you want to make –tuna salad, potato salad, salad salad (let Lloyd know)
Feel free to post any question or comments below, and certainly post what you are going to bring.