RUSSELL EUGENE SORENSON

Russell E. Sorenson, 77, passed away on April 5, 2018, while still active in pursuing the things that he loved.

He was born August 3, 1940 to Henry and Marion (Baker) Sorenson on his family’s farm in Elk Mound, WI. There, attended school and learned about hard work at an early age.

In 1959 he enlisted with the U.S. Naval academy, at Great Lakes, at Chicago, Ill. After an honorable discharge, he worked at various jobs including valet parking in St. Paul, MN and assembling outboard motors outside of Chicago in the early 60’s, before returning to the Elk mound area. There he began his career in commercial construction with a local laborer’s union, and a few years later took over the family farm. 

In 1970 he married Nancy (Davis) and brought four children into the world. Together they started a small hog farming operation, and then a dairy operation while he also maintained his construction career full time.  In 1985 he left the farming industry moving to Rockwall, TX, then back to Wisconsin, eventually settling in Bloomer, where his children would finish out school. He and Nancy divorced in 1989, and he retired from the laborers union in 1998.

Dad was an avid outdoorsman, spending countless hours on Wisconsin lakes, and Ontario fishing trips. He also enjoyed the Wisconsin deer season, and made several hunting trips to Colorado.

A few years after retirement, he moved to Moscow, where his sons attended college and worked, and then he moved to Potlatch. He was still active in construction, working with his sons part time, and helping them build their homes, but he also found plenty of time to enjoy the Idaho mountains, fishing the Snake River, and   traveling.                                                               Dad enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow, attending many school sporting events and family functions. He loved his children and grandchildren dearly. He had a great sense of humor, loved meeting new people, and could strike up a conversation with a total stranger. He was a great father, grandfather, hunting partner, and friend. He will be missed greatly.

He is survived by his.  Sons, Scott (Becky) and Eric (Leslie) of Potlatch, and daughter Stacie Evjen (Travis) of Beloit, WI, brother Lyle, of Eau, Claire WI., and his grandchildren, Mackenzie, Madison, Isabel, Izak, Connor and Eilonwy.  He was preceded in death by his son Jason, parents, sister Barbara, and brother David.

A memorial service will be held on April 21, 2018 at 3pm at Kramer Funeral Home, Palouse, WA with Pastor Charlie Couch officiating followed by a private burial at Rock Creek Cemetery in Potlatch, and food and fellowship at 5pm at the Scenic Six Park depot.

Please consider donations in his name to Potlatch Ambulance, PO Box 63, Potlatch, ID 83855.          

Kramer Funeral Home of Palouse, WA is handling the arrangements.  You are invited to leave online condolences and order flowers for the family at www.kramercares.com.

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