Clarence R. Sorenson

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Clarence Ray Sorenson announce his passing on June 5, 2023. He was born to Clarence and Delphia (Champlin) Sorenson Sr. at home in Elroy, Wisconsin on January 6, 1941. Clarence and Delphia had their hands full with ten spirited children to raise. Ray would tell lots of stories from his youth, often involving fights with brothers, mischief with friends, and other adventures. He met the love of his life, Deanna Phillips when he was still a teenager. They were married December 6, 1959, and remained together until Dee’s passing in March of 2020. They raised two daughters, Nancy and Becky.
Ray was a top-notch mechanic and extremely proud of his ability to keep those old 2-cylinder tractors running. He worked for the Westby John Deere dealership for many years until his retirement. Ray was always on the go and ready to lend a helping hand. His kindness will never be forgotten by those whose lives he touched.
He was a very proud parent, grandparent, and great-grandparent. His favorite thing was to pick on and tease the kids. The little ones quickly learned to give it right back to him! There was always lots of laughter when Grandpa came to visit.
He is survived by seven grandchildren: Breanna (Randy) Stricklin, Mike (Stacy) Kaufmann, Haleigh (Derek) Storkel, Elena (Spencer) Lapides, Adam Flottmeyer, Tom (Esther) Peterson, Elizabeth Peterson and 6 great-grandchildren: Maggie, Haroon, Lyla, Claire, Elliot, and Theo; his daughters: Nancy (Marc) Peterson of Brewster, NE and Rebecca (Kevin) Johnson of Minneapolis, MN; his sisters: Betty Williamson, Vicky Cox, and Beverly Thew.
Near the end of his life, Ray lived in Nebraska and loved the ranch and the beautiful Sandhills country. He loved mowing the grass with his zero-turn mower and helping his daughter Nancy check the ranch cows. His last days were spent at home in the loving care of his daughters. He is much loved and greatly missed.
A Graveside Memorial Service will be held on Sunday September 24, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Retreat Cemetery at Retreat, Wisconsin and will be followed by a 12:00 PM Celebration of Life event to held at at the Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center at Coon Valley Wisconsin.