Roy Sorensen was born in Creighton, SD to Hans and Anna (Larsen) Sorensen on November 5, 1910. Roy was one of six children born to this union. He had three sisters, Catherine, Johanna and Florence, and two brothers Niels and Deloss. Roy's childhood and adolescence was spent helping his father farm in rural Viborg/Irene areas and various locations in Minnesota. Roy attended country school in South Dakota where he received most of his education through the eighth grade.

Roy began courting Jensina (Sina) Sorenson; she was the first and only girl he courted. The couple was married on August 11, 1929, at the Trinity Lutheran Parsonage in Yankton. The couple farmed near Irene for a few years during the thirties until the health of Sina began to deteriorate. At the age of 23, he sold the farm and the couple moved to Yankton. While living in Yankton, Roy worked for contractors before working on "relief". He worked on the county-wide bridge project until he was hired at the Sioux Falls Rendering Company where he worked for thirty-eight years. When not at work, he cared for Sina who was confined to a wheel chair shortly after their marriage. She could do little for herself and Roy selflessly cared for her until her death in August 1984. They were married for fifty-five years.

During their marriage, Roy and Sina had five children together. They are Norma Jean Wanless, Stockton, CA, Merlin Sorensen, Lodi, CA (deceased), Anna Mae Eletto, Austin TX (deceased), Virginia Ann Nelson, Yankton, SD (deceased), and Alvin Roy Sorensen (deceased in infancy).

Roy is best remembered by his love for his family, dancing at the VFW and the Senior Center, fishing (especially in Minnesota), and playing cards with family and friends. He also helped his wife with her crafts such as making pheasant-feather hat bands, jewelry, bolo ties, and other numerous hobbies. In his later years, Roy found he enjoyed wood-working. He used the wood from old television cabinets to create bird houses, wooden sleighs, and small rocking chairs.

Roy was preceded into death by his parents, wife, two sons, two daughters, two sisters and two brothers. He is survived by his daughter Norma, Stockton, CA and his sister, Florence Rempp, Canistota, SD, and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Memorials can be sent to Roy Sorensen's Family at 406 W 6th, Yankton, SD, 57078 or 1709 Walnut St, Yankton, SD, 57078.

View Video Tribute