Charlene "Char" Sommervold, 79, passed away on Monday, August 4, 2025, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls. Memorial services will be 11:00 AM, Monday, August 18, 2025, at Miller Funeral Home - Westside Chapel (6200 W. 41st St., Sioux Falls), with family greeting friends for visitation beginning at 10:00 AM.

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Char was born August 13, 1945, in Watertown, SD, the oldest daughter of Leslie and Lila (Ladwig) Brenden.  She lived most of her early years in Bryant, SD, where she graduated from high school in 1963.  She worked at a doctor's office in Bryant after high school, an IRS office in Aberdeen, SD, and then moved to Minneapolis, MN, in 1966 intending to pursue a career in nursing.

On one of her first visits back to South Dakota, she met the love of her life.  She was united in marriage to Eugene Sommervold on May 25, 1968, in Bryant, SD.  The couple made their home in Toronto, SD, for 10 years and in 1978 relocated to Sioux Falls, SD.  She worked at Heartland Paper Company from 1982 until she retired in 2020 as the supervisor of the customer service department.  Char was a member of St John's Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, SD.

Throughout her life, Char found enjoyment in family time and family trips.  She enjoyed the time spent on family vacations in Disney World, Universal Studios, Mexico, Branson, MO, Black Hills, and various Minnesota lake resorts.  She was an excellent cook and was proud to carry on the Norwegian traditions of making lefse and krumkake.  She liked to bowl and was in leagues for many years with Gene.  She loved watching the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Green Bay Packers.  Char liked to partake in "retail therapy" and the occasional visit to the slot machines.

Blessed with great patience and empathy, she placed the needs of those around her first.  She was a devoted grandmother who never missed a game, concert, meet, or competition.

Grateful for having shared her life are her son, Darren Sommervold (Shannon), Sioux Falls, SD; daughter, Lisa Hartman (Chad), Harrisburg, SD; grandchildren, Andrew, Josie, Sydney and Brynn; sisters, Judie Russell (Joe), Norfolk, NE and  Darla Conrad (Lee), Yankton, SD; brothers, Dennis Brenden (Roxy), Watertown, SD, Don Brenden (Beth), Norfolk, NE, and Merle Pearson, Hayti, SD; sister-in-law, Kathy Langland, Bruce, SD; aunt/mother figure, Grace (Ladwig) Brown, Shakopee, MN; and many nephews, nieces & cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Gene.