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With faith in the Resurrection of Jesus, we offer our prayers for Reverend Michael J. Somers who entered eternal life yesterday, October 27, 2022, at the age of 76.
Father Somers was born on June 13, 1946, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Leonard and Ruth (Van Bank) Somers. He attended the University of Minnesota in 1969 where he earned a bachelor's degree. In 1972 he entered the Novitiate of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, he attended Weston School of Theology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he earned a master's degree in Divinity.
In 1977 he was assigned by the Oblate Provincial to St. John the Baptist Parish, Green Bay and in 1980, he applied to be a seminarian for the Diocese of Green Bay. Bishop Aloysius J. Wycislo ordained him on June 5, 1982, at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Green Bay.
Father Mike's first appointment was as assistant pastor of St. Thomas More Parish, Appleton. He then served as assistant pastor of St. Mary Parish, De Pere from 1982 to 1984 and St. Philip the Apostle Parish, Green Bay, 1984 to 1986. Father Somers then served as assistant pastor of Holy Cross Parish, Kaukauna from 1986 to 1988. He was then appointed as administrator and then pastor of St. Joseph Church, Alverno, in 1988-1992.
Due to personal and health reasons, Father Somers received senior status in 1992 and resided in the Tampa area of Florida for the remainder of his life. He passed at Lakeland Regional Health Center and his remains will be transported to Green Bay.
Father Mike has no surviving relatives so a funeral Mass will be scheduled at St. Joseph Chapel here at the diocesan offices and he will be buried at Allouez Cemetery once his remains are received. All priests will be invited to concelebrate. Members of the Leo Benevolent Association are asked to offer their three prescribed Masses.
To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.