Lt. Colonel Dale August Sommerfeld, USAF Ret. - Obituary

t. Colonel Dale August Sommerfeld, U.S. Air Force Retired, completed his final mission on July 28, 2026, undoubtedly arriving at his next assignment with a perfectly organized itinerary, a well-reasoned opinion, and at least three questions for whoever was in charge. Born on September 11, 1937, in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, to August and Sigrid (Horne) Sommerfeld, Dale was the youngest of six children and grew up on his family’s farm, where he developed the discipline, curiosity, work ethic, and love of learning that would shape the rest of his life. Dale dedicated 20 years of service to the United States Air Force, serving proudly as an officer, decorated veteran, and rocket scientist. His career, which included overseas duties in Korea and Germany, reflected intelligence, discipline, integrity, and deep love of country. He understood the realities of war through his work in missile defense and carried with him a lasting appreciation for the precious value of peace. While serving in the Air Force, Dale also pursued his lifelong passion for education, ultimately earning six degrees. He brought that same curiosity and precision to every part of life—as a mentor, volunteer, tutor, small business adviser, spirited debater, and enthusiastic family game-night participant. At family games, he was famous for finding the answer no one else considered, as he did during Trivial Pursuit when asked where a plane was if it landed at Reagan Airport. While others answered “Washington, D.C.,” Dale insisted the correct answer was “on its wheels,” then delivered a lawyer-worthy argument for why he deserved the pie piece. To those who knew him best, he will be remembered not only for his intellect, but for his humor, his perfectly timed “Well... technically,” and his ability to make others think more deeply. Dale is preceded in death by love of his life, Darlene, who he met at a Wisconsin county fair when she was 12 and he was a 13-year-old Boy Scout. She pretended to be lost so he could “find” her, beginning a love story that would span more than seven decades. They were married for 65 years, though Darlene preferred to count from the day he found her, making it 71. Together, Dale and Darlene shared the calling and sacrifices of military life, raised a family, served their communities, and built a legacy rooted in faith, service, learning, laughter, and love. Their devotion was reflected in grand gestures and small rituals alike, including the chocolate martini Dale perfected for her with a Hershey’s Kiss in place of the olive. Dale and Darlene’s legacy lives on through their children, Collin (Trish) Sommerfeld and Amy (Todd) Rawlings; their grandchildren, Mallory (Brandon) Jenkins, Brittany (Dennis) Waldron, Aaron (Megan) Foscue, and Kacie Edwards; and their eight great-grandchildren, Mariah, Isaac, Nathan, Micah, Hannah, Zoey, Lucas, and Ava. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dale’s caregivers for their compassionate and loving care. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Dale’s memory be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Family and friends are invited to celebrate the lives of both Dale and Darlene on Saturday, August 22 at 11 am at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037. Dale and Darlene will be interred together at a later date. Mission accomplished, Colonel. At ease.