Helen "Willie" Sorum

Obituary

Helen ""Willie' Sorum, passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2006, at the Hillsboro Medical Center Hospital at the age of 89. Helen L. Willett was born on January 6, 1917 in Carbon, IA. She grew up in this area, received her education, graduating from high school in Corning, IA. She attended the University of Iowa in Iowa City where she graduated in 1938 as a registered nurse. Willie proudly served her country in the United States Army during WWII where she was stationed on a Red Cross Medical Ship in North Africa. Willie was united in marriage to Arnold E. Sorum on October 28, 1943. After their discharge they returned to Hillsboro, ND where they made their home. During their years in Hillsboro, Willie spent many hours volunteering as a home health aide, worked as a bookkeeper and secretary for the family business, Sorum Oil, and also made countless meals to be served at the Dairy Bar. She was an active member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church where she was a choir member for over 30 years and a member of the WELCA. She served the community as a school board member, and was a charter member of the NEW Homemakers Club. After their retirement, Arnie and Willie traveled throughout the United States in their motor home for over 15 years. Willie is survived by her loving husband, Arnold of Hillsboro; and her children, Judy (Bill) Utendorfer of Edina, MN; Terry Sorum of Columbus, OH; Mary (Dale) Skallerud of Hawley, MN; and Barbara (Michael) Watson of Grafton, ND. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Patrick Skallerud, Robert (Julie) Utendorfer, Sean Skallerud, Tiffany (James) Rittler Foley, Erik (Kari) Watson, and Sara Watson; her great grandchildren, Jake, Haley, Seamus, Tyler, Will and Andrew; and her very special friends, Linda and Fred Kloster and Alvin Anderson all of Buxton, ND. Willie was preceded in death by her parents, Faye and Eber Willett; and her brothers, Wilton and Marvin Willett. Memorials are preferred to the Hillsboro Medical Center Hospital. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Sunday, June 4, 2006 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Hillsboro and also one hour prior to the funeral in the church on Monday Prayer Service: 7 p.m. Sunday in the church Funeral Service: 1 p.m. Monday, June 5, 2006 in the church Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Hillsboro Arrangements entrusted to the care of Wildeman Funeral Home in Hillsboro. Online guest book at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com.