Peter Julian Sorensen

Peter Julian Sorensen passed away on July 12, 2023, at the age of 72, in South Jordan, Utah. Peter was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, on February 7, 1951, to Thomas Carlisle and Luana (Mercer) Sorensen and grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona. During his childhood he learned to play the piano and explore the outdoors with his family and friends. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Belgium and France.
He attended Brigham Young University majoring in English and Music. This is where he met Elaine Anderson. They were married on September 27, 1974, in Spanish Fork, Utah. They were later sealed in the Provo Temple. Peter continued his education earning a Master's degree in English from Brigham Young University and a PhD in English from Washington State University. Peter worked at Auburn University, Brigham Young University - Hawaii and Washington State University before settling down in Orem, Utah, as a Professor of English at Brigham Young University. He taught there for 27 years focusing on the works of William Blake and other Romantic literature.
Peter was an accomplished teacher, a brilliant musician, a marvelous humorist, and the finest Thomas S. Monson this side of Thomas S. Monson. He loved to perform for audiences of any size and was thrilled when he had the chance to perform at halftime for a BYU basketball game. Even in the classroom, his teaching was shaped by his desire to make the process of learning entertaining.
Peter loved spending time with his family. He would use Shakespeare, Blake, and other poets as part of bedtime stories and playtime with his kids. Music was woven into the fabric of his home. He always encouraged and supported his children without forcing them down any particular path.
Though saddened by his departure, his family is comforted that his spirit has been freed of a failing body and look forward to his resurrection through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Peter is survived by his wife, Elaine; his four children - Michael (April), Rebecca (Mac), Benjamin (Emily) and Timothy; eight grandchildren - Shawn, Payton, Dominque, Wednesday, Simon, Nicodemus, Ilse and Integrity; one great-grandchild, Emma; and his brother, Thomas (Christine).
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at Orem Canyon View Stake Center 575 E 800 N, Orem, UT 84097 with a viewing at 10:00 am and services at 11:00 am. Internment will be at the Orem City Cemetery.
Special thanks to the staff of Sagewood at Daybreak Memory Care and Canyon Home Care and Hospice for their loving care of Peter.