Robert Sorenson

Stoughton, Wisconsin--Robert Sorenson "Bobby, Bob, Dad, Grandpa" ended his struggle with cancer at home in the care of his wife and daughters, with Agrace HospiceCare, on Sunday, June 15, 2014. He was 85 years old.
Born at home in Elroy, Wisconsin on June 26, 1928 to Mary Jane, "Jenny" and James Sorenson, Bob was number 11 of 13 children. Dubbed the "Elroy Flash" for his fast feet and love of sports, Bob played varsity basketball as a freshman and lettered as part of the 6-man football team to take state over Argyle in 1947. Bob graduated from high school in '48--the only sibling to do so and,according to Jenny, motivated by the acquisition of his letter sweater.
In January, 1951 Bob was inducted into the U.S. Armed Forces, serving active duty for 18 months, including combat in Korea. SFC Robert Gerald Sorenson was honorably discharged from the Army Reserve in 1957.
Bob was self-employed for most of his life. His first business, Wonewoc Milk Service, saw him delivering milk with a winning, dimpled grin to the home of the former Janice "Jan" Mueller. They married in 1955, settling in Stoughton, Wisconsin, where they raised two daughters, Mary and Deana.
Bob worked for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad as a fireman/engineer for nine years, developing a lifelong love of trains. Eventually he and Jan purchased three gas and service station/convenience stores in Janesville and then Stoughton. They retired from the business in 1992.
After snowplowing through long Wisconsin winters, Bob "flew" south to New Mexico, Arizona and Florida every winter he could. He golfed and fished year round. In earlier years he hunted, especially deer and duck. His favorite spot was "Lytle's," the Mueller family cabin on Brice Prairienear Onalaska. Annual duck hunting with the guys in October eventually turned to crappie fishin' and cards. Euchre, sheepshead, pinochle, bridge, cribbage--he loved to play them all. He was an avid vegetable gardener--especially potatoes and tomatoes. His business servicing cars lead to a new car fixation. Bob was never happier than when on the hunt for a new or new-to-him vehicle.Driving with his buddies for a local auto dealer in retirement kept him active and close to the trail of the next new car.
Bob and Jan are family and friends people, dedicated to service. Longtime active members of Christ Lutheran Church, Bob was an usher and could be counted on for cooking, grilling, set-up and other activities for the church, especially manning the dishwasher. He was active in Stoughton Lions Club brat, chicken, pancake and rose fundraisers. Bob especially found a home in Stoughton's American Legion, serving on the Honor Guard to give back to veterans who had served their country. The Sorenson's have been very close to and supportive of their children and grandchildren, and have developed dear friends across their lives and across the country.
Gone before Bob are his parents James and Jenny;siblings Bonnie, Clarence, Donald, George, Gilbert,Gladys, Harold, John, Millie, and Vilas; in-laws Silvia "Babe" and Vernie Mueller; and numerous friends and other family.
Bob will be missed by Jan, his wife of almost 59 years;daughter, Mary Clare Sorenson (Rick, Alexandra and Danielle Mitchell), daughter and son-in-law Deana and Bill Hall, grandchildren Michala, Will and Grace Hall; siblings Dorothy and Norman; brother-in-law Deane Mueller;sister-in-law Sonia (Rex) White; many nieces and nephews, especially Dale and Char Sorenson; Shane Mueller; Brooke, Kelly, and Rex and Carol White; Andy and Eric Sorenson; and the many friends made over his nearly 86 years.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00pm on Thursday June 19, 2014 at Christ Lutheran Church, 700 Cty Hwy B, Stoughton, with Rev. Scott Geister-Jones officiating. Military honors will follow. Coffee and dessert will be served in the church fellowship hall. Friends may greet the family from 2:00pm until the time of services on Thursday. Memorials can be made to Agrace HospiceCare, or Christ Lutheran Church. Please share your memories at: www.CressFuneralService.com .
Cress Funeral Service
206 W. Prospect Street
Stoughton, WI. 53589