Charles E. Sorenson

Charles E. Sorenson, 87, passed away August 31 at West River Health Center after a brief battle with an aggressive brain tumor. Son of the late Charles P. Sorenson and Katherine (Jones) Sorenson. he was born July 26, 1938, in Evansville, IN, marking the family's fifth generation in Vanderburgh County. He graduated from F.J. Reitz High School and in 1963 earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from University of Evansville. He accepted immediate employment at Hahn Inc., advancing to Vice-President of Engineering in 1970. During that employment, he was credited as inventor on seven patents concerning items related to lawn and garden, turf, and agricultural spraying equipment. He also served two years on the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) subcommittee on commercial turf equipment safety standards.

In 1980, he accepted an instructor position at Ivy Tech, ultimately becoming Chair of the Industrial Maintenance Division, teaching AC/DC fundamentals, residential wiring, technical mathematics, and, his preferred subjects, hydraulics and pneumatics. In that capacity, he was awarded the state's Glenn W. Sample Founder's Award for Excellence in Instruction. After retirement, he served as a professional witness in personal injury litigation cases involving hydraulics and pneumatics.

During most of his life he owned and personally maintained rental properties. He also worked as a freelance wildlife photographer, training his lenses especially on birds, often traveling abroad to capture images of specialties. More than 500 of his images have appeared in national media.

A man of the outdoors with an eye toward conservation and environmental protection, his hobbies included primitive camping, fishing, canoeing, and self-sufficiency Mother Earth style. In addition, he maintained a well-equipped woodworking shop producing practical and statement pieces. After retirement, he and his wife traveled extensively, visiting over 20 countries and provinces in five of the seven continents, with repeated trips to Newfoundland and Labrador, Costa Rica, Panama, Peru, and Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands. Kenya, however, remained at the top of his "best destination" list. Every excursion brought cultural insights and an understanding of the people and the environment. He also visited 42 of the 50 states, including multiple trips to Alaska, exploring wildlife refuges, nature preserves, and other off-the-beaten-path scenic areas.

Charlie is predeceased by his brother, Eric. He is survived by his wife and travel companion of 60 years, Sharon (Blaser) Sorenson. She expresses her deep gratitude for caring support from close friends, including her fellow retirement community residents and staff who have become family, as well as members of the area's birding community.

At Charlie's request, there will be no visitation and no services. Condolences may be made online at www.browningfuneral.com or by US mail in care of The Pointe at Solarbron, 1501 McDowell Road, Evansville, IN 47712.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge at 510 1/2 Morton Street; Oakland City, IN 47660-1637. All contributions will further Charlie and Sharon's ongoing commitment toward the purchase and restoration of refuge lands.

Condolences may be made online at www.browningfuneral.com.