Beatrice "Bea" Lynne Sommerfeld

Beatrice “Bea” Lynne Sommerfeld, age 85, of Litchfield passed away peacefully on September 20, 2026 after a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Private family services will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

Bea was born on April 3, 1941, in Algona, Iowa, to Harry and Arlene (Brethorst) Felter. She was raised with a love of learning, music, and family—values that would shape the way she lived her life and touched the lives of so many others.

Bea graduated from Winthrop High School in 1959 before earning a double major in Music and Elementary Education from Mankato State University in 1963. She received a lifetime teaching certificate and became one of the first elementary music teachers in the Litchfield School District. Through music, she inspired generations of young students, sharing not only her knowledge but also her enthusiasm, patience, and encouragement.

Never one to shy away from a challenge, Bea later transitioned into property management. She worked for Augusta Housing Management, helping develop the company's first eight-plex apartment buildings in Wisconsin. She eventually made Hutchinson her home, where she helped build and manage Century Court Townhome Apartments for 21 years. Whether in the classroom or the workplace, Bea was admired for her dedication, integrity, and genuine care for others.

Outside of work, Bea embraced life's everyday joys. She loved shopping for the perfect find, tending to her beautiful flowers, baking treats to share, preparing meals for family gatherings, and traveling to make new memories. She was a loyal supporter of Minnesota sports teams and could often be found cheering them on through every season.

Above all, Bea's greatest joy was her family. She was a proud and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who rarely missed an opportunity to celebrate the people she loved. Whether sitting in the stands at a ballgame, attending a concert or school event, or simply gathering around the table together, Bea found happiness in watching her family grow and thrive. Her love was steady, selfless, and unconditional, and it was evident in everything she did.

Bea is survived by her children, Kary (Steph) Sommerfeld, Karlyn (Tony) Behnke, and Kraig Sommerfeld; her cherished grandchildren, Kayla (Justin) Retzlaff, Kennedy (Cody) Mielke, Livia (Isaac) Rick, Vaida Behnke (Avery Liestman), Evan Behnke, Karson Sommerfeld, and Kyah Sommerfeld; her beloved great-grandchildren, Peyton and Bennett Retzlaff; siblings, Ann Hovde and Jeff (Janel) Felter; significant other, Jon Devenport; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Arlene Felter; significant other, Bill Levy; sister, Jan Spriggs; brother-in-law, Jon Hovde; nephew, Cory Hovde; nephew-in-law, Jack Sivilay, and her special puppy, Cooper.