Frederika J. (Sipman) Sommerville, born February 5, 1947, in the Netherlands, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on May 26, 2026. She was lovingly known by many names — “Mom,” “Fredi,” “Gramma,” and “Gramma Fredi” — each one reflecting the deep affection she inspired throughout her life.At the age of seven, Fredi embarked on a long ocean voyage with her parents and sister as they immigrated to Australia. She grew up there, attending school and embracing the outdoor life she loved. Tennis on the beach at low tide, spirited games of cricket, and especially swimming in the ocean were among her happiest childhood memories. Indoors, she enjoyed creating scrapbooks, baking, and making music with her sister — harmonizing with her mandolin or singing with the beautiful voice she was known for in her youth. Her creativity continued throughout her adult life, where she poured her heart into crafts and made many beautiful things.In 1965, she immigrated once again, arriving with her family in Honolulu, Hawaii, on August 24. Her travels eventually took her full circle around the world, completing that journey in 1994 with a final visit to her beloved aunt in the Netherlands.Fredi’s professional life was as varied as it was meaningful. She worked in day care, store and restaurant management, over-the-road truck driving, and convenience store operations. Her most cherished role was with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services in the Protection and Safety Division. She later served as a Goodwill Employment Retention Specialist until June 2003, when a severe reaction to a brown recluse spider bite left her disabled and forced her early retirement at age 56. Before her illness, she lived an active, energetic life. After nearly three years of hospitalization and care at Prairie Pines Lodge Assisted Living Facility, she bravely chose to live independently again, supported daily by her devoted caregiver, Susan Serres, and, a few years later, Renee Nixon.During this period of renewed independence, Fredi became deeply involved in volunteer work. She called Bingo for Prairie Pines, for the Senior Center when needed, and for a time, the American Legion. She volunteered faithfully for the Chadron Senior Center and the Chadron Chamber of Commerce. Every Wednesday night, she called Bingo at the Heritage Apartments, where she also joined residents for a weekly Bible Study hour on Friday evenings until 2020, when the threat of COVID‑19 changed daily life. In response, she began sewing masks and donating them to Northwest Community Action for children and adults.Despite spending many years in a wheelchair, Fredi never allowed it to limit her spirit. She found strength again and was active throughout the community, rolling all over town in the summer and using the Handi‑Bus during the winter. Her faith was central to her life, and she often shared her testimony with others, thanking Jesus nightly for sparing her life in 2003. She would say, “It is by the grace of God I can tell my story. It is by His hands I am here with a second chance at life. I am truly one of His miracles. God blessed me with many miracles throughout my life.”Fredi loved her family deeply. She lived for her children and greeted every announcement of a new baby with joy and excitement.She is survived by her children: • Jason (Tracy) Sommerville, Chadron, NE • Shaun (Melissa) Sommerville, Chadron, NE • Thomas “Danny” (Kyla) Case, Wichita, KSHer grandchildren: Jonas, Emma, Andrew, Rylee, Jaxtyn, Joslin, Kolten, Korbin, Bransen, Kyndalyn, Kierra, and Kenastyn.She is also survived by her beloved adopted family, the Thompsons of Broadwater, NE — including her adopted mother, Luilla Thompson, and her children, who became like siblings to her: Twila (Anchorage, AK), Teka & Mike (Broadwater, NE), Kim (Broadwater, NE), Anton & Cindy (Scottsbluff, NE), Price & Rose (Oregon), Jeff & Kathy (Chadron, NE), Karin & Mike (Colorado), and Nancy (South Dakota).Fredi leaves behind dear friends, especially Susan Serres and family of Chadron, NE.Her stepchildren include Richard & Judie Sommerville Jr. (Banning, CA), Charlene Sommerville Mento (Adelanto, CA), Alexander Sommerville (Alexandria, MN), and Betty Jean & Bobbie Nakatani (Adelanto, CA), along with twelve step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren.She is also survived by her sister Margaret of Arizona; her nieces Stacy Dorn (Texas) and Janice & Tim Evans (Running Springs, CA); her nephew Douglas & Amanda McComb (Thousand Oaks, CA); and many cousins and their families in the Netherlands, Malaysia, Tanzania, and the United States. Truly, hers was a family spread around the world — and she loved every one of them.Fredi was preceded in death by her parents, Frederik J.D. Sipman and Tuentje (Bijkerk) Sipman; her infant brother, Frederik J.D. Sipman Jr.; her Aunt Jannie Bijkerk of the Netherlands; her grandparents on both the Sipman and Bijkerk sides; several aunts and uncles; Brother-in-law Russ; Wade and Teka Thompson.May Fredi rest in the arms of Jesus for all eternity.
A Funeral service for 79-year-old Frederika J. Sommerville, of Chadron, NE will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, AT 10:00 AM at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron, NE.Frederika passed away on May 26, 2026, at the Chadron Hospital in Chadron, NE. Frederika was born on February 5, 1947, in the Netherlands.Arrangements for Frederika Sommerville are in care of Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron, NE. Online condolences may be left at chamberlain chapel.com