Wilbert Sorenson Obituary

Wilbert Sorenson

THE VILLAGES, FL - Highly decorated Army veteran, Col. Bill Sorenson (Ret.) passed away unexpectedly on November 24, 2023. He was born April 17, 1939, in Berthoud, Colorado to Wilbert W. Sorenson Sr. (Ret.) Air Force Master Sergeant, of Racine, Wisconsin and Elsie Doris Brannen of Pattensburg, Missouri.

Bill spent his military career serving his country with unparalleled devotion. In 1958, he enlisted in the U.S. Army as an Infantryman. Within a year, he advanced to Sergeant and then commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1960. In 1970, he accepted a regular Army commission in Armor and promoted to Colonel in 1981. He knew early on that he wanted to become a pilot and continued his education and training in Army Aviation. He flew several rotary wing and fixed wing aircrafts over the course of three tours in Vietnam including AH-1G Cobra gunships, UH-1H Huey command & control aircrafts, and OH-6A Scout helicopters. He commanded the last U.S. combat unit (Air Cavalry Troop) to fight in Vietnam from 1972-1973; Political/Military Advisor to the US Embassy in Madrid, Spain from 1975-1976; Commander, 2nd Squadron, 10th US Cavalry in Ft. Ord, California from 1976-1977; Commander, Albany District Recruiting Command in Albany, New York from 1977-1979; Director of Training and Deputy Director of Operations for the US Army Recruiting Command in Ft. Sheridan, Illinois from 1979-1980. His final assignment was as the Commanding Officer of Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin, where he retired from the U.S. Army in 1988 after 30 years of exemplary service and his devoted family always with him. Throughout his military career, Bill displayed an unwavering sense of duty and an extraordinary ability to lead with empathy and integrity.

Colonel Sorenson's military decorations include the Silver Star; (2)Distinguished Flying Cross; Master Army Aviator Wings; Soldiers Medal; Bronze Star; (42)Air Medal; Purple Heart and U.S. Army Combat Infantryman Badge. He is also one of only 8,139 aviators to receive the Wright Brothers "Master Pilot Award". In addition, he proudly wore the Spanish White Cross of Military Merit, personally awarded by Juan Carlos, former King of Spain.

In 1990, Bill accepted the position as President of the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce; a position he held until 1995 when he became a business partner developing the La Crosse Pettibone Park Resort Campground & Banquet Hall.

In 2005, he joined the CAP SAR (Civil Air Patrol Search & Rescue) as an instructor pilot, embracing the opportunity to teach the CAP pilots. In 2014, Bill and Martha decided to move to Florida where they enjoyed years of flying, boating and golfing. Bill also fulfilled a lifelong wish to purchase a Jabiru 2300 light sport airplane which he maintained at the Woods & Lakes Airpark in Ocklawaha, FL.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Martha (Mayer) of Sidney, Montana who was working at the US Embassy in Thailand as Vice-Consul when they met. And by their daughters Michelle (Dan) Czerwinski and Kathleen (David) Morris. He is further survived by grandchildren Katelyn, Kevin, Kristin and Keegan as well as eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Wilbert W. Sorenson Sr., his mother, Elsie Doris Brannen, and his brother, Robert Sorenson.

He leaves behind a legacy of honor, bravery, sacrifice and an incredible life filled with devotion and deep love for his family and close friends. We will miss the joy he brought into our lives through his bright blue eyes, caring smile, singing, playing the guitar or piano, going out on the pontoon boat, challenging others on the golf courses or flying the skies searching for the "world's best hamburger."

The family expresses their deepest appreciation to the staff at The Villages Hospital for their genuine compassion, understanding and kindness. Also, to Cornerstone Hospice for the comfort they provided him in his final hours.

There will be a private ceremony of Bill's life in Florida.

Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com.

You will forever be our hero.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by La Crosse Tribune on Jan. 5, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Wilbert Sorenson

5 Entries

Chris

September 22, 2024

I was in D Troop, 1/17 Cav when then Major Sorenson became the CO. I think it was the first meeting of all the officers, pilots, when during his introduction talk, he looked down at his name tag, pointed to it, and said, "I already have a name." He was saying without saying it aloud: "I´m not here to make a name for myself; I´m not here to punch the right tickets to get promoted." He was there in the last part of 1972 to save as many of the lives of the Troop that he could while still completing the mission assigned. The Troop commander he took over from was the consummate Vietnam officer ticket puncher and pilots and crew chiefs had been killed.

I had served my year in Vietnam and was checking out of the troop. I was being reassigned to Germany and would have to report to my new Air Cav Troop in Germany, find housing, and then send for my wife....2-4-6 months later. Major Sorenson said, "Chris, you´ve been away from your wife for a year. Take her with you to Germany and sleep in a pup tent if you have to." And so I did. And I didn´t have to sleep in a pup tent.

Major Sorenson was a great man.

SGM Paul M Elliott US Army Retired

January 18, 2024

Was COL Sorensons Sergeant Major in Albany NY DRC retiring in 1978. Great Commander and leader.
So sorry to hear of his passing. [email protected]

Kelly Pretasky

January 8, 2024

Miss you Bill

Dave Ring

January 8, 2024

My thoughts and prayers are with Bill and his family. Very grateful for Bill´s dedicated service to his country, family, and the La Crosse area. Rest in peace, my friend.

Greg and Cat

January 5, 2024

So many good memories on holidays with the Sorensons! Love you Uncle Bill, you will always be remembered!

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