Walter Clifford Sorensen

Walter Clifford Sorensen, age 86, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 5, 2011, at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center. He was born in Racine on May 15, 1925, and lived all of his life in Racine except for his time in the service, during World War II.

On July 24, 1948, he was united in marriage at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church of Racine to Lucille M. Greely. He received his diploma from Washington Park High School “Class of 1944,” after returning from World War II. During World War II he served with the United States Navy Amphibious Force on Windy Island in the South Pacific Theatre of Operations.

In his youth, he won the Wisconsin State Junior Bicycle Racing Championship in 1941, State Senior Championship in 1942 and 1943. At age sixteen he competed and took 3rd in the Junior National Bike Championships at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Walter also won the Racine Speed Skating Championship in 1942.

In his adult life he was active in the Racine YMCA. He was (Chief), President of the YMCA Indian Guides, then served as president of the YMCA Swim Club, promoting competitive swimming at a higher level of competition, and conducting many swim meets. He was employed with Twin Disc Inc. for forty-four years, and retired on June 30, 1987, as Plant One Superintendent of Manufacturing. Walter was a dedicated member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and served on the Vestry Board. He was a dedicated father and family man who will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-three years, Lucille; three sons and daughters-in-law, Michael (Elli) Sorensen, James (Audrey) Sorensen, all of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Kenneth and Martha Sorensen of Minneapolis, MN; three grandchildren, Ana Kristina Sorensen, Martin and Ben Rock; brother and sister-in-law, Louis (Mary Lou) Sorensen of Janesville, WI; sister, Constance McGovern of Traverse City, MI; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Rita Sorensen of Racine, Sewell (Beth) Greely; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Helmuth and Marie Sorensen; two brothers, Richard and Fred Roger; one sister, Gladys Rohan; and brother-in-law Rodney Rohan. He was also preceded in death by brother and sister-in-law Robert and Stella Greely and brother-in-law, Dr. Jack McGovern. He also was preceded in death by his beloved grandchild, Jenna Marie Sorensen; and his beloved mother-in-law, Mary Greely; and infant daughter, Tina Marie Sorensen.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 10, 2011, at 11 a.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 614 Main St., with Rev. Liz Simmons officiating. Interment with full military honors will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Sunday at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Memorials to Charcot Marie Tooth Association, P.O. Box 105, Glenolden, PA 19036 or to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church have been suggested.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine  (262) 634-7888