Earl P. Sorensen

Earl Preston Sorensen, age 86, passed away on Monday, December 31, 2012, at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints Medical Center. He was born in Racine on February 9, 1926.

He was raised in the "flats" during the Depression. He was employed by J.I. Case, Massey-Harris, Kappus, and retired from Racine Unified School District. Earl and his wife, Frances, just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

His greatest passions were his contributions to the Catholic Church and volunteerism. He was an active member of the former St Rose Church for 40 years and was a current member of St Edward's Church. He was dedicated to many things including being a trustee, Parish Council President, Board for First-time Juvenile Offenders, Downtown Cooperative Parish Board, Meals on Wheels, President of the Catholic Cemetery Association, and taught confirmation classes for 40 years for which he was recently awarded the Catechist of the Year by St Edward's Parish.

Earl loved people and made easy friendships. He was a story-teller with a quick wit. His family cherished his yodeling and sing-a-longs on roadtrips. He enjoyed going to DeRango's for coffee and cherished those friendships he developed over the years. Fridays he had card club, and during his final days requested that the final game be held in his hospital room.

He is survived by his wife, Frances Sorensen; children, Thomas (Denise) Sorensen, Judith Warner, Mary Nelson, Michael Sorensen; grandchildren, Candi (Jeff) Chilcote, Ryan (Julie) Sorensen, Sarah Sorensen, Luke (Stacy) Warner, Thomas Warner, Katie (Keith) Fox, James Sorensen, Kaitlyn Nelson, Ashley Sorensen; great-grandchilden, Karissa Chilcote, Kendall Chilcote, Kayla Warner, Baby Sorensen, Baby Fox; other relatives and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Helen Sorensen; a brother, James Sorensen; a son, James Sorensen; daughter in-law, Sarah Jean Sorensen; and a grandson, Zachary Sorensen.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 5, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 1401 Grove Ave., with Reverend Allen Bratkowski and Reverend Richard Molter officiating. Private interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet Saturday at the church from 8:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Edward’s Christian Formation Program have been suggested.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Herb and Eva Spalla, for their kindness and friendship, and to Dr. Ryan Engel and Wheaton Hospice, Mary Jensen (RN) and the entire 3B staff at St. Mary's for their loving and compassionate care.

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