We lost our favorite soccer player this year, Sigmund Sommerfeld (Siegmar Teutsch) who passed away on January 22, 2022. He was born on September 17, 1937 in Sächsisch-Regen, Transylvania and later immigrated to the U.S. with part of his family.
Sigmund was one of the most charming men the world has ever known. Opening doors for those around him and dressed to impress, Sigmund always wore a long-sleeved suit with button up collared shirt wherever he went even on the hottest days of summer. Anyone who had the privilege of meeting him was easily drawn to his friendly German accent, good looks, and witty-usually corny sense of humor. When people asked where he was from he would say, “I am El Sigmundo De La Hoya from Guadalajara, Mexico.” Just picture the light-hearted laughter he created as he said this in his best Spanish-German accent. He was a hit! Everyone loved him! And who could forget the chocolate?! Giving Swiss chocolate to anyone and everyone was his trademark.
Sigmund always had a ball ready for action. No one could bounce a soccer ball off the top of his knees and head like he could. It was in his veins, and he had been playing since he was a young boy. He joined a soccer club while attending college in Denver. It was while traveling with the club that he fell in love with Utah and soon after made Utah his home. He would often be seen passing and kicking a ball around with his daughters, their friends, and all the children in the neighborhood. He nearly found himself in trouble once when he tried to have a soccer match with his grandkids in the middle of a Denny’s restaurant. He was truly a kid at heart, always playful and fun.
Other sports he enjoyed were basketball-he loved to play and saw a lot of Jazz games, the Utah Utes Women’s Gymnastics, ping pong tournaments in the basement (he was tough to beat!), and watching the Olympics on T.V. It’s no surprise that he befriended a local legend becoming one of her biggest fans, Amy Christiansen Palmer, as she worked hard to make her way to the Olympics. His whole face lit up with excitement when he talked about her strength, dedication, skills, and perseverance, as he did with all his favorite athletes. He was definitely the loudest cheerleader for all the German teams!
By trade he was an excellent cabinet maker. Working for companies such as Granite Mill and Fetzer’s, there may have been some envious coworkers as Sigmund earned the MVP, “Employee of the Year” title at least twice. Some of his most noted woodwork was for an LDS temple and the local Disney store.
Is it time for a night out on the town? Sigmund got out more than people half his age. He made regular rounds to Temple Square, Downtown Sports bars, hypnotist shows, local sport venues, and orchestra concerts at Abravanel Hall where he celebrated his boundless love for classical music especially Beethoven and Mozart. His favorite place to gather with family/friends was Siegfried’s Delicatessen where they knew him by name and all his favorite dishes.
Brightening someone’s day and helping others in need were Sigmund’s best qualities. Whether it be shoveling snow off sidewalks for neighbors, administering aid to the elderly, making friends with those who were lonely, or volunteering to serve meals to the homeless on holidays, our Dad was a saint! He was a guardian angel on Earth to our mother whom he cared for during her struggles with Diabetes and other health issues throughout the years. Bless his humble heart.
Sigmund is survived by his 2 daughters, Lisa and Elisabeth, his niece a.k.a. 3RD daughter, Heidi, future son-in-law, Eric, grandchildren, Olivia Monet, Gabriel, Myles, & Andre; many extended family members, sisters, Ingrid and Hildegard; brothers, Gunther, Erich, and Dieter whom later passed this year in June. He was preceded in death by his parents, Johann and Olga (Bitner) Teutsch, stepmother, Matilda; wife, Janice W. (Johnson) Sommerfeld; his brothers, Herwart, Helmut, and Gerhardt. Crematory service was arranged by Dalton-Hoopes Funeral Home of Grantsville.
It’s hard to say “Good-bye”, Dad. One day, we hope to see the smile on your face while you’re picking cherries off a tree from the orchard you always wanted. And if you find one of us hitchhiking on the side of the road, will you take us for a ride in your Mercedes Benz? It’s a date then!…’Til we meet again.
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