Grant L. Sorensen, age 100, of Waupaca, WI passed away on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at Theda Care Medical Center-Waupaca.
Grant was born in the Town of Lind, Waupaca County on November 19, 1916, the son of the late Nels P. and Flora (Pope) Sorensen. After high school graduation, Grant drove off to California looking for work. He worked for a short time at a chicken ranch in Van Nuys before returning back to the farm. His luckiest trip was to Nebraska to be best man for a friend’s wedding. There he met Verdell Noble and on June 7, 1942 they were married in Walnut Creek, NE. Verdell preceded Grant in death on August 13, 2014. Grant and Verdell farmed in the Town of Lind for over 60 years. He served on the Lynwood School Board, Midland Co-op, Methodist Church Building Committee and was on the Board of Directors of Consolidated Badger. He was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church, Waupaca. Although he traveled the world, he spent most of his time near Lind Center doing what he loved; family, hunting, fishing, square-dancing, and spending time with family and friends. He was very health-conscious, regularly exercising at the fitness center for 25 years. He was active in farm work and mentoring into his mid 90s. He caught his last fish at age 99 and was looking forward to the next spring’s white bass run on the Wolf River. He was an avid reader of audio books and loved to watch NOVA or PBS. He enjoyed playing cards especially sheepshead and cribbage. But more important than the games were the banter and conversations that resulted. We truly treasure our memories of him and the remarkable century of his life.
Grant is survived by his children: Rheta (Art) Richardson, Waupaca and Errol (Mary) Sorensen, Greenfield, MA; his six grandchildren: Brad (Lynn) Richardson, Michelle (Greg) Winter, Kristi (Wes) Jackson, Kendra (Joe) Olive, Nels (Stephanie) Sorensen, and Jessica (Craig ) Dykstra; his 13 great-grandchildren: Ian, Sam and Max Richardson, Mason and Joshua Winter, Ryland and Abram Jackson, Avery and Sydney Olive, Grant and Matthew Sorensen, and Rose and Laurel Dykstra and his younger brother Jay Vinton (Pete). Also surviving are many nieces and nephews. Grant was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 72 years, Verdell, his brother Elmore (Al), his sister Inez Brustmann, and son Grant Eugene Sorensen.
The Funeral Service will be held Monday, December 12 at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Waupaca with Reverend Dee Ann Woods, officiating. Burial will be in Lind Center Cemetery, Town of Lind. Visitation will be on Sunday afternoon from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca continuing on Monday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church. A memorial fund has been established in Grant’s name.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Wenberg and her staff and Grant’s caretakers, Karin and Sue for their wonderful care given to Dad. Holly Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.