Jon Loren Summers

In Memory of Jon L. Summers

It is with great love and respect that we share the passing of Jon Loren Summers on July 24, 2025, at the age of 84. He passed peacefully at United Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota, surrounded by his beloved wife Eileen, his daughters Elizabeth and Sarah, and several of his cherished grandchildren.

Jon was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the son of Miles and Nellie Summers. A lifelong learner and educator, Jon's journey took him across the globe and into the lives and hearts of many. He earned a degree in History and English from Luther College, and was awarded a Fulbright Tutor Grant, which allowed him to teach English in India—a formative experience early in his life.

His passion for education and culture led him to teach in international schools in Switzerland and Austria. He also studied at Luther Seminary and served as a teaching assistant in the Religion Department at Luther College. Jon went on to earn his PhD in English Literature from the University of Missouri, where his deep love for Shakespeare enriched his understanding of human nature and global politics.

After completing his doctorate, Jon and Eileen joined the Peace Corps and he taught English Literature at Kabul University in Afghanistan. He later became Director of the Fulbright Commission there. This marked the beginning of a distinguished 31-year career with The Asia Foundation, where he lived and worked in six countries—Malaysia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Cambodia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan—as Country Representative during some of the region’s most complex and pivotal times.

Jon was deeply respected for his work ethic, integrity, compassion, and leadership. Known for his ability to unite diverse teams, he believed in surrounding himself with capable, passionate people and giving them the support to thrive. He built teams grounded in mutual respect and shared purpose, inspiring his staff to create programs that made a lasting difference in people’s lives. He believed in empowering others and once said, “I don’t need to be the smartest person in the room—I just need to build a smart and capable team.” His unique humor and warmth helped many navigate even the most difficult moments, and he was remembered by many as “the best boss they ever had.”

While his international work was central to his life, Jon’s greatest source of strength and joy was his family. He shared a deep bond with Eileen, his wife of 56 years, whom he married in 1969. He was a devoted and proud father to Elizabeth and Sarah, whose lives and work inspired his enduring passion for education and equal opportunity for girls and women. His five grandchildren brought him immeasurable joy and filled his later years with love and laughter.

Jon also had a deep love of sports and competition. He played passionately—sometimes to a fault—well into his 80s, particularly enjoying tennis. He often credited his management style to years of experience building and leading sports teams.

Jon lived life to the fullest with few regrets, and left the world better than he found it. His impact will continue through the lives he touched across continents, cultures, and generations. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him.

He is survived by his sister Bonnie Foss, his wife Eileen Summers, his daughters Sarah (Eric Fudeman) Summers and Elizabeth (Christian Buhr) Summers, and his grandchildren Andrew and Katherine Buhr, and Elsa, Jon and Bianca Fudeman.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 13, 2025 at the Lakewood Cemetery Chapel in Minneapolis at 1:00 PM followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested for the School of Leadership Afghanistan (SOLA) and the Tree Trust.

memorial service

Lakewood Cemetery Chapel

September 13, 2025

Lakewood Cemetery 3600 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408, USA