Christine Anne Somerville passed away on Friday, June 14, 2024, in New Mexico. Christine Anne was born on April 13, 1942, in New Brighton, Minnesota to Stanley and GoodrunLaska.

On December 28, 1963, Christine was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Robert Somerville in Hayward, WI. While living in Hayward, Christine worked as a Librarian at Hayward High School for 12 years. Later, she and Robert moved to Flagstaff, AZ where she spent 32 more years of service in education to the schools and students of Flagstaff Unified school District. Christine loved being an educator and had a deep appreciation for the English language. Even after retirement, she continued to help others immerse themselves in the written word. She enjoyed editing papers for her children, grandchildren and former students. Being an avid reader herself, Christine found purpose in spreading her love of reading and writing to many. She appreciated a well-developed mystery and embraced the journeys her favorite authors brought her on.

Christine was very proud of her Scandinavian culture and loved her churches in both Hayward and Arizona, where she was an active member. Christine was a true sports enthusiast. She had a profound passion for athletics and one of her favorite pastimes was to watch a ball game; she rarely ever missed a sporting event for her husband, children or grandchildren. The Green Bay Packers, Badgers, and Arizona Diamondbacks were among her favorites teams to follow. Additionally, Christine thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors and the open road with her husband Robert. They made many friends traversing the mountains in their RV, hugging the curves of the Northwest's rugged coast and visiting national parks in their travels.

Christine soaked up many years in her beloved San Francisco peaks (in Flagstaff, Arizona) where she and Robert welcomed grandchildren and great grandchildren into their lives. They later moved to Sun City, Arizona where they continued to enjoy quality time with their children and watch over their grandchildren. They spent ample summers in the company of their many siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends in the Wisconsin Northwoods. Christine was a strong and true matriarch; who always placed family above all else. She fearlessly led, and fiercely loved, her family through all of life’s trials and life’s celebrations. She was unparalleled in her commitment and devotion to them. Her beloved family and friends continue to honor her as they live their lives with the memory of an incredibly strong woman forever in their hearts.

Christine is survived by her children, Tari (Jim) Popham, of Hayward WI and Mesa, Arizona; Robby Somerville (Angie Atwood), of Overgaard, Arizona; her grandchildren, Jayme Popham, Terryn (Collin) Anderson, and Maggy Popham, Hailey Schwartz, and Cameron and Gracie Somerville; and her great-grandchild, Asher Anderson. She is also survived by her siblings, Carol Knudson of Hayward, Sandy (Don) Sheehan of Hayward, Jim Laska of Minong, Lynn (Matt) Fitch of Hayward and Lori Suchanek of Madison; brothers-in-law, Larry (Gerry) Somerville, of Hayward and Harold Tiffany of Hayward; sister-in-law, Kathy Bergum of Hayward; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

In addition to her parents, Christine is preceded in death by her husband, Robert; daughter, Dana Schwartz; grandson, Peter Schwartz; sister-in-law, Shirley Tiffany; and brother-in-law, Richard Bergum.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, July 8, 2024 at the First Lutheran Church in Hayward, WI with Pastor Joel Bacon officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 am to the time of service.

Memorials may be directed to the Hayward Area Retired Educators Scholarship Fund, Hayward Hawks Baseball or to the Hayward Hurricanes Booster Club.

Last Update: Jun 26, 2024 4:18 pm CDT