Obituary of Milton Clifford Somppi

“Milton Clifford (Milt) Somppi has been called home to join his beloved wife of 66 years Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Somppi to be with the Lord.  On September 13, 2024, at the age of 92, Milt passed away.  Milt was a back-yard mechanic, a fisherman, a hunter, proud of his Finnish heritage (Sisu), patriarch of his family, and both a Square and Polka dancer. He was born in Marengo, WI, and grew up on the family farm in Marengo and Ashland.

Milt was preceded in death by his beloved wife Betty, parents Walter and Olga Somppi, brothers Kenneth (Sally) Somppi, and Marvin (Jean) Somppi and an infant sister.  He is survived by his children John (Beverly), Marie (Jeff) Lorenzi, Mike (Monica), David and Dorothy; his brother-in-law Thomas (Linda) Gerardy; granddaughters Nikki (Dylan) Turner, Laura (Matt) Somppi-Montgomery, and Gina Lorenzi; great granddaughters Hazel and Sophia Turner; Marlene Scherer who was like a sister to Milt as well as nephews, nieces, numerous cousins and many dear friends.

Milt’s family moved to Duluth, MN in 1948.  Upon high school graduation from Duluth Central, he started his delivery career by working for the Glass Block as a truck driver.  This is where he met Betty.  An opportunity for employment to support a future family developed and Milt became a U. S. Post Office Letter Carrier.  Milt’s heart was captured by Betty and they married in the Catholic Church in August 1957.

Although not documented, rumor has it that Milt may have carried mail on every route, whether commercial or residential, in the proper of Duluth. After 35 years as a letter carrier, Milt retired from the Postal Service.  The urge to drive and the social bug offered Milt an opportunity to work as a patient greeter for the Duluth Clinic.  The delivery bug bit again and Milt took a position as a courier for the Clinic. After 20 years of service, Milt retired for a second time.

Milt and Betty enjoyed trailer camping and fishing adventures as the family grew up.  Most travels were in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Canada.  Retirement allowed Milt and Betty to extend travel boundaries internationally to Finland, Germany, Sweden, France and Ireland.  Following their square-dancing friends (The Happy Hoe Downers), the journey led them to Texas, California, Arizona, and New Mexico.  Milt’s Finlander smile could always be created with subjects like Tutti Frutti ice cream, pickled herring, anything featuring pink with purple polka dots, and a 14’ Lund fishing boat with outriggers and planer boards.

Services for Milt are scheduled for 10:00 am on Tuesday October 1, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 151 W Linden Street, Duluth, MN. Internment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Marengo WI.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you and appreciation to Tracy, Heather, Korine and Chaplain Paule as well as the entire staff at Edgewood Assisted Living and Caring Edge Hospice for their care of both Milt and Betty during the last stages of their life.  This loving care meant the world to both mom and dad and our entire family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in the memory Milt may be forwarded to St James Catholic School, Duluth, Minnesota, 715 North 57th Avenue West, Duluth MN 55807.”