Sorensen, Jerald J. (1941-2008)
SORENSEN, HANSEN, GOODWIN, KIEFER, VAN VACTOR, MCMICHAEL, MCGOWAN, HARDERS, SARGENT, LONG, PARKER
Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 4/22/2010 at 14:51:11
Jerald J. Sorensen - Aug. 28, 1941 - Oct. 4, 2008
Jerald "Jerry" Sorensen, 67, of Panora, Iowa, formerly of Storm Lake, died Saturday, October 4, 2008, at his home surrounded by his wife and children following a courageous battle with cancer.
Jerald J. “Jerry” Sorensen was born at home on August 28, 1941, in Guthrie County, Iowa, to Hans and Edith (Hansen) Madsen Sorensen. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. Jerry spent his childhood in the Guthrie Center area, first attending country school and later graduating from Guthrie Center High School in 1959.
On February 26, 1966, Jerry was united in marriage to Mary Beth Goodwin in the United Methodist Church in Storm Lake. The couple was blessed with three children: Angela Beth, Jerald Jerome II, and Janelle Marie. Jerry and Mary Beth made their home in Storm Lake for many years where he was employed by Seiler Plumbing and Buena Vista Regional Medical Center before starting his own plumbing business. They moved to Panora in December, 2004, and Jerry retired in April 2007.
Jerry was a true outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish. He was a member of Pheasants Forever and Ducks Unlimited organizations. He liked to stay active by playing slow-pitch softball, bowling or golfing. He also enjoyed a game of darts or pool. Jerry was an avid sports fan and followed the Chicago Cubs and Bears as well as the Iowa Hawkeyes. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Storm Lake.
Jerry’s family was very important to him and he was very involved in his children’s activities as they were growing up in Storm Lake. He coached youth softball and baseball for many years. He and Mary Beth began camping in recent years and found it very relaxing and enjoyable. When Jerry’s grandchildren came along, they found a special place in his heart and he loved to follow all their activities. A loving husband, devoted father, treasured Papa, caring brother and uncle, as well as a valued friend, Jerry will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 42 years, Mary Beth of Panora, Iowa; his daughter, Angie (Mark) Kiefer of Lehigh, Iowa; his son, J. J. (Tera) Sorensen of Newton, Iowa; his daughter, Janelle (Jason) Van Vactor of Cherokee, Iowa; his grandchildren: Grace, Emma and Clayton Kiefer of Lehigh; Kaitlyn and Aren Sorensen of Newton, and Allison and Alea Van Vactor of Cherokee; brothers Dale (Wilma) Sorensen of Shirley, Arkansas, and Arnold (Loretta) Sorensen of Manson, Iowa; sister Norma (Thomas) McMichael of Audubon, Iowa; mother-in-law Bea Goodwin of Storm Lake; brother-in-law Vernon “Bud” (Carolyn) Goodwin of Sioux City, Iowa; sisters-in-law: Barbara McGowan of Carroll, Iowa; Becky Harders of Fort Collins, Colorado; and Bobbie (Ron) Sargent of Storm Lake; many nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family and a host of friends.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Gaillord Long; his father-in-law, Vernon Goodwin; his brother, Merlin Sorensen, his sister, Donna Parker; and his brothers-in-law, Dan Harders and James McGowan.
Funeral services for Mr. Sorensen will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2008, at the United Methodist Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in the Storm Lake Cemetery. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation with the family present will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8th, at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home, 1615 West Milwaukee, Storm Lake.
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