Roger J. Sorenson

1944 - 2024

Roger J. Sorenson

LA CROSSE - Roger J. Sorenson, (known as "Sonny" or "Sam" to many people), age 79, of La Crosse, and formerly of Westby, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. He was born to Edith (Voldahl) and Sherman Sorenson in Viroqua on September 30, 1944. Roger attended Westby area schools and graduated in 1962.

Roger attended WWTC in La Crosse where he graduated with an associate degree in accounting. He later took specialized CPA courses at the University of Alabama and became a Certified Public Accountant in 1981. As a CPA, Roger was well versed in the accounting field, working at Hawkins, Ash, Baptie, and Co. and later becoming a partner with the firm, all while helping local community members with their taxes. He was a member of both the Wisconsin Institute of Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

In 1973, Roger married Carolyn Molldrem and together they enjoyed traveling; his favorite places being Norway, Hawaii, and Alaska. When they traveled to Norway, Roger met many ancestors and was very touched visiting the homeland, Ovre Ardal, of his grandfather, Jens Voldahl, who he knew well. Roger loved collecting and restoring old antique and specialty cars (preferably Chevrolet), visiting many car shows and tours as a member of the VCCA and AACA. He also enjoyed selling Christmas trees, boating, waterskiing, snow skiing, camping, picking berries, ice cream and malts, a cold Coca-Cola, making popcorn, dancing, polka music, and playing cards. Roger was a member of the Coon Valley Lions Club, previous member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and recently was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in La Crosse. In his retirement, Roger enjoyed volunteering for AARP Tax Preparation.

Roger is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carolyn; two daughters, Nicole (Hans) Tanke and Wendy Sorenson (who helped care for him at home); son, Layne; two granddaughters, Hannah and Annika; sister, Karen Hoff; brother, Howard (Anne) Sorenson; uncle, Ralph (Sharon) Voldahl; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; parents-in-law, Russell and Gladys Molldrem; brothers-in-law, John Hoff and Roger Molldrem; and nephew, Brad Hoff.

A special thank you to Moments Hospice and Creamery Creek for helping the family care for and love Dear Roger in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Westby Norse Fund, Country Coon Prairie Church Preservation Inc., Utica Lutheran Church or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in La Crosse, or a charity of your choice.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 10, 2024, at Coon Prairie Country Church, rural Westby. A visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at Vosseteig Funeral Home in Westby. An additional visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Roger will be laid to rest during a private graveside at Utica Lutheran Church Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.vossfh.com.