Erwin Louis Sorensen was born two days after Christmas in 1925, and was a gift for the next 82 years to all those lucky enough to know him. He was a man of strength, courage, honor and generosity, and will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, doting grandfather and loyal friend. He died due to complications from pneumonia on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007, with the same dignity and genuine concern for his family that he exhibited throughout his life.
Erv grew up in Nebraska, the adored son of Louis and Minnie Sorensen.
Though not legally of age, at 17 he courageously enlisted in the Navy and proudly served his country as an air rescue radioman during World War II in the Pacific Theater. After his discharge, he continued his education through life experiences. He was one of the most intelligent and insightful men we knew. But it wasn't until 2003 that he proudly received an honorary high school diploma awarded for personal sacrifice and devoted service to the United States.
On Valentine's Day 1944, he married Marjorie Hope Ellis, his church youth-group sweetheart. During their 63 years of marriage, they celebrated the birth of six children, 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and stayed actively involved in all their lives. Erv owned and operated several businesses throughout his working career. His exemplary work ethic was evidenced by the fact that he was finally convinced to retire in the spring of 2007, just five months before his death.
Erv celebrated life with his family and enjoyed many pastimes with them. His innate artistic and mechanical skills were evidenced in his woodworking projects and in his uncommon ability to fix anything and everything. He enjoyed fishing, boating, scuba diving, world travel and music. Later, when his body couldn't take him where his mind wanted to go, he kept exploring and discovering through the media. He was a loyal high school football fan and almost never turned down an opportunity for a good game of bridge.
Erwin was preceded in death by his parents and two grandchildren, Chad Sorensen and Misti Little.
He is survived by his wife, Marjorie; sister, Nancy (Jerry) Ewing; and six children, Kathy (Ron) Olson, Suzi (Gerry) Watne, Dawn (Mike) Lopach, Bob (Gina) Sorensen, Cindy (Curt) Little, and Dave (Liza) Sorensen all of Helena; 14 grandchildren, Tami (Boyd) Darlow, Kim (Chris) Williams, Brandon (Kelly) Watne, Krista (Troy) Purcell, Amy (Todd) Little, Sara Wong, Emily Sorensen, Sam Sorensen, Jackie Little, Lacy Little, Paula (Cory) Knox, and Scott Sorensen; 10 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. The fact that so many of his progeny live in Helena is evidence of his encompassing love and strong family commitment.
Services in celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Nov. 3, at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church, where Erv and Marge were members for 42 years. A full honor guard ceremony will follow at 2 p.m., at Forestvale Cemetery. The family request that memorials be made to Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church, 1400 Stuart St., Helena, MT 59601.
Arrangements are under the care of Retz Funeral Home.
Erv grew up in Nebraska, the adored son of Louis and Minnie Sorensen.
Though not legally of age, at 17 he courageously enlisted in the Navy and proudly served his country as an air rescue radioman during World War II in the Pacific Theater. After his discharge, he continued his education through life experiences. He was one of the most intelligent and insightful men we knew. But it wasn't until 2003 that he proudly received an honorary high school diploma awarded for personal sacrifice and devoted service to the United States.
On Valentine's Day 1944, he married Marjorie Hope Ellis, his church youth-group sweetheart. During their 63 years of marriage, they celebrated the birth of six children, 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and stayed actively involved in all their lives. Erv owned and operated several businesses throughout his working career. His exemplary work ethic was evidenced by the fact that he was finally convinced to retire in the spring of 2007, just five months before his death.
Erv celebrated life with his family and enjoyed many pastimes with them. His innate artistic and mechanical skills were evidenced in his woodworking projects and in his uncommon ability to fix anything and everything. He enjoyed fishing, boating, scuba diving, world travel and music. Later, when his body couldn't take him where his mind wanted to go, he kept exploring and discovering through the media. He was a loyal high school football fan and almost never turned down an opportunity for a good game of bridge.
Erwin was preceded in death by his parents and two grandchildren, Chad Sorensen and Misti Little.
He is survived by his wife, Marjorie; sister, Nancy (Jerry) Ewing; and six children, Kathy (Ron) Olson, Suzi (Gerry) Watne, Dawn (Mike) Lopach, Bob (Gina) Sorensen, Cindy (Curt) Little, and Dave (Liza) Sorensen all of Helena; 14 grandchildren, Tami (Boyd) Darlow, Kim (Chris) Williams, Brandon (Kelly) Watne, Krista (Troy) Purcell, Amy (Todd) Little, Sara Wong, Emily Sorensen, Sam Sorensen, Jackie Little, Lacy Little, Paula (Cory) Knox, and Scott Sorensen; 10 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. The fact that so many of his progeny live in Helena is evidence of his encompassing love and strong family commitment.
Services in celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Nov. 3, at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church, where Erv and Marge were members for 42 years. A full honor guard ceremony will follow at 2 p.m., at Forestvale Cemetery. The family request that memorials be made to Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church, 1400 Stuart St., Helena, MT 59601.
Arrangements are under the care of Retz Funeral Home.
Erwin Louis Sorensen was born two days after Christmas in 1925, and was a gift for the next 82 years to all those lucky enough to know him. He was a man of strength, courage, honor and generosity, and will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, doting grandfather and loyal friend. He died due to complications from pneumonia on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007, with the same dignity and genuine concern for his family that he exhibited throughout his life.
Erv grew up in Nebraska, the adored son of Louis and Minnie Sorensen.
Though not legally of age, at 17 he courageously enlisted in the Navy and proudly served his country as an air rescue radioman during World War II in the Pacific Theater. After his discharge, he continued his education through life experiences. He was one of the most intelligent and insightful men we knew. But it wasn't until 2003 that he proudly received an honorary high school diploma awarded for personal sacrifice and devoted service to the United States.
On Valentine's Day 1944, he married Marjorie Hope Ellis, his church youth-group sweetheart. During their 63 years of marriage, they celebrated the birth of six children, 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and stayed actively involved in all their lives. Erv owned and operated several businesses throughout his working career. His exemplary work ethic was evidenced by the fact that he was finally convinced to retire in the spring of 2007, just five months before his death.
Erv celebrated life with his family and enjoyed many pastimes with them. His innate artistic and mechanical skills were evidenced in his woodworking projects and in his uncommon ability to fix anything and everything. He enjoyed fishing, boating, scuba diving, world travel and music. Later, when his body couldn't take him where his mind wanted to go, he kept exploring and discovering through the media. He was a loyal high school football fan and almost never turned down an opportunity for a good game of bridge.
Erwin was preceded in death by his parents and two grandchildren, Chad Sorensen and Misti Little.
He is survived by his wife, Marjorie; sister, Nancy (Jerry) Ewing; and six children, Kathy (Ron) Olson, Suzi (Gerry) Watne, Dawn (Mike) Lopach, Bob (Gina) Sorensen, Cindy (Curt) Little, and Dave (Liza) Sorensen all of Helena; 14 grandchildren, Tami (Boyd) Darlow, Kim (Chris) Williams, Brandon (Kelly) Watne, Krista (Troy) Purcell, Amy (Todd) Little, Sara Wong, Emily Sorensen, Sam Sorensen, Jackie Little, Lacy Little, Paula (Cory) Knox, and Scott Sorensen; 10 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. The fact that so many of his progeny live in Helena is evidence of his encompassing love and strong family commitment.
Services in celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Nov. 3, at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church, where Erv and Marge were members for 42 years. A full honor guard ceremony will follow at 2 p.m., at Forestvale Cemetery. The family request that memorials be made to Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church, 1400 Stuart St., Helena, MT 59601.
Arrangements are under the care of Retz Funeral Home.
Erv grew up in Nebraska, the adored son of Louis and Minnie Sorensen.
Though not legally of age, at 17 he courageously enlisted in the Navy and proudly served his country as an air rescue radioman during World War II in the Pacific Theater. After his discharge, he continued his education through life experiences. He was one of the most intelligent and insightful men we knew. But it wasn't until 2003 that he proudly received an honorary high school diploma awarded for personal sacrifice and devoted service to the United States.
On Valentine's Day 1944, he married Marjorie Hope Ellis, his church youth-group sweetheart. During their 63 years of marriage, they celebrated the birth of six children, 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and stayed actively involved in all their lives. Erv owned and operated several businesses throughout his working career. His exemplary work ethic was evidenced by the fact that he was finally convinced to retire in the spring of 2007, just five months before his death.
Erv celebrated life with his family and enjoyed many pastimes with them. His innate artistic and mechanical skills were evidenced in his woodworking projects and in his uncommon ability to fix anything and everything. He enjoyed fishing, boating, scuba diving, world travel and music. Later, when his body couldn't take him where his mind wanted to go, he kept exploring and discovering through the media. He was a loyal high school football fan and almost never turned down an opportunity for a good game of bridge.
Erwin was preceded in death by his parents and two grandchildren, Chad Sorensen and Misti Little.
He is survived by his wife, Marjorie; sister, Nancy (Jerry) Ewing; and six children, Kathy (Ron) Olson, Suzi (Gerry) Watne, Dawn (Mike) Lopach, Bob (Gina) Sorensen, Cindy (Curt) Little, and Dave (Liza) Sorensen all of Helena; 14 grandchildren, Tami (Boyd) Darlow, Kim (Chris) Williams, Brandon (Kelly) Watne, Krista (Troy) Purcell, Amy (Todd) Little, Sara Wong, Emily Sorensen, Sam Sorensen, Jackie Little, Lacy Little, Paula (Cory) Knox, and Scott Sorensen; 10 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. The fact that so many of his progeny live in Helena is evidence of his encompassing love and strong family commitment.
Services in celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Nov. 3, at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church, where Erv and Marge were members for 42 years. A full honor guard ceremony will follow at 2 p.m., at Forestvale Cemetery. The family request that memorials be made to Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church, 1400 Stuart St., Helena, MT 59601.
Arrangements are under the care of Retz Funeral Home.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
