Kenneth 'Ken' C. Sorenson

LIFE HISTORY FOR KEN SORENSON Ken Sorenson, age 90, of Osakis passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, October 26, 2017 at the North Memorial Hospital in Maple Grove, MN with family at his side. Kenneth Carlton Sorenson was born on June 8, 1927 in rural Todd County, MN to Arthur and Clara (Ingvalson) Sorenson. He was one of a family of eleven children born to a rural, farming family. He grew up and helped on the farm and graduated from Osakis High School in 1945. After high school, Ken spent time in the Dakotas working as a farm hand. Following that, Ken began his career in the meat packing industry where he worked his way up to President of United Dressed Beef before retiring in 1986. Upon retirement, Ken returned to his hometown where he used his newfound spare time to drive bus for Osakis Public Schools. As a man who truly loved children he also served on the OHS School Board. Continuing on in his retirement, Ken then successfully ran for and was appointed as a Todd County Commissioner for Dist. 5, where he served for over twelve years. He and Arlene are members of Salem Lutheran Church in rural Osakis, MN. Ken married his lifetime love, Arlene Sorenson (Mikkelson) in 1949 and together they raised their only child, Calvin Sorenson. Ken enjoyed deer hunting with his family, cheering on the MN Twins and Vikings as well as the hometown teams. He was also very athletic himself and enjoyed bowling, golfing and snowmobiling in his earlier years. On the farm, Ken's favorite past-time was raising beef cattle. He also tended a large vegetable garden each season with Arlene. More than anything, Ken loved and was proud of his family – likewise they couldn't have been more proud of him. Ken was a kind and devoted husband, a patient and loving father and the best grandpa there ever was. He will long be remembered for his unconditional love, work ethic and service to others. He is survived by his wife, Arlene Sorenson of Osakis; a son, Cal Sorenson of Elk River; two grandchildren, Melissa (Adam) Sorenson Bistodeau of Elk River and Brian (Kristi) Sorenson of St. Anthony; four great-grandchildren; his siblings, Maurice Sorenson, Duane (Jan) Sorenson, Ron (Ginny) Sorenson, Carmen (Cynthia) Sorenson, Roger (Phyllis) Sorenson, Lorraine Buzick, Clarice Sorenson and sister-in-law, Joyce Buntji; many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Allan and Eugene Sorenson and a sister, Adelene Pynes. Funeral services for Ken will be held on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017 at 2:00 pm at the Salem Lutheran Church in rural Osakis with Rev. Steve Hilde officiating. Interment is at the Salem Lutheran Church Cemetery. Visitation hours are from 10 - 12 noon on Thursday morning at the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis and one hour at the church prior to the service. Arrangements are being handled by the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis, MN.