Bruce Sorenson

Bruce D. Sorenson was born to Ada Hutchinson and Earl Sorenson in Tuttle, North Dakota, on May 8, 1926, and passed away in Boerne, Texas, on January 16, 2013. Bruce was a World War II veteran, serving in the Navy in the South Pacific. He lied about his age to enlist. He graduated from Jamestown College, Jamestown, North Dakota, and went on to study accounting at the University of Denver before earning his Master's in Hospital Administration at Northwestern University. He and his family then moved to San Antonio, where Bruce served as the first assistant administrator at Methodist Hospital and helped oversee the hospital's construction. He subsequently became administrator at San Antonio's Methodist Hospital, serving in that capacity for approximately 15 years. He also served as president of the Texas Hospital Association and as board president of the San Antonio Salvation Army where he was active on the board for several decades. Known by many to be an excellent, caring administrator, Bruce was also a visionary in health care delivery systems and the cutting of costs, such as the creation of ambulatory care clinics in the late 1970's. A power struggle with certain doctors ensued and he resigned from Methodist Hospital in 1978, when doctors threatened to strike if he did not. He went on to become the oldest person in Texas history at that time to earn a CPA. Bruce loved Christmas, the Spurs and the Cowboys, and being on the land, whether farm land or out at Lake Medina. As a young man he enjoyed hunting and farming in North Dakota with his father, uncles and cousins. He had a beautiful smile and demonstrated respect, devotion and kindness in his treatment of others. Bruce was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Alice Sorenson and two daughters, LeAnne Sorenson and Alisa Jean Sorenson. He is survived by three daughters, Jody Sorenson, Jan Sorenson and husband, Jay Aalsma, and Chrissie Sorenson; four grandchildren, Quinn and Mickey Theis and Hannah and Eli Cohen. His daughters would like to thank the loving and devoted caregivers and staff at Kendall House, Menger Springs where he was known as "Papa Bear". A special thanks goes to his care plan team of Alisa, Debra, Sherie and Kimberly. The family also wishes to thank VITAS Hospice for their dedicated care, especially Angela, Krachelle, Edwin, Lucy and Paulette. Chrissie, Jody and Jan want to give special recognition to Luisa who provided compassionate and energetic care to Mr. Bruce. Rest in peace, Daddy, the memory of your smile and your determined, feisty spirit will forever warm our hearts and guide our minds. A private graveside service will be held. Memorial contributions may be made in Bruce's honor to the Salvation Army or Morningside Manor.