Robert Lee Sommerstedt

Robert “Bob” Lee Sommerstedt passed away on April 9th, 2022 in Helena, Montana. Bob was born in Lincoln,
Nebraska on January 31st, 1936. As a young child, Bob’s family relocated to Southern California. He
enlisted in the U.S. Army and served 3 years in Germany. After a short time, he re-enlisted in the U.S. Air
Force and served until his retirement in 1977. Bob met our Mom, Anita (Fricker), and they were married
10 weeks later, on October 4, 1958. They lived in California, Arizona, England, Louisiana, New Jersey,
Texas and eventually returned to California while raising their three children, Roger, Patricia, and Daniel.
After Bob’s military retirement in 1977, they moved to Switzerland, Anita’s home country, and spent
their time with extended family and travelling through Europe. During his time in Switzerland, Bob
coached a number of American Football teams, most notably the Zurich Renegades (and even threw a
uniform on a time or two). Bob and Anita finally relocated to Helena, Montana in 1993. After mom’s
diagnosis in 1996, they began snow birding to Phoenix, Arizona in the winter months. Dad took care of
mom for her remaining years, until her death in 2002.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Elizabeth, siblings Reinhold, Helen, and Brian, his
loving wife, Anita and many of their beloved dogs. He is survived by his children, Roger, of Houston, TX,
Patricia (Bryon) Steinwand of Helena, MT and Daniel, of Helena, MT., grandchildren, Henry and Sophie,
and great-grandson, Matthais, as well as his nephew, Urs (Jacqueline Mueller) of Adliswil, Switzerland
and their children, Philipp (Celine) and Nathalie. He will also be missed by his two constant companions,
Sitka and Kayla.

A service will be held at the Fort Harrison Cemetery later this summer.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Robert Lee Sommerstedt, please visit our Tree Store.