Steve P. Sorensen

Steven Paul Sorensen, 71, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by the family he cherished along with his faithful dog.
Born on November 7, 1953, to Donald and Shirley Sorensen, Steve was a fighter from the very start. He entered the world a sick little baby but grew into one of the strongest, kindest and most giving men you could ever meet. Steve spent much of his childhood in the mountains with his siblings Bob, Kate and Suz, where he developed his lifelong love of the outdoors.
He was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a mission in Mexico, where he fell in love with the people and the language. He came home speaking Spanish so well, folks often joked he spoke it better than anyone else in the valley. After returning from his mission, he began dating his friend's sister, Emmalee Jackson, who had also just come back from her own mission. Steve was sealed to the love of his life on May 20, 1978, in the Manti temple.
Together, Steve and Emmalee raised five daughters and six sons. Steve had a unique connection with each of his children and taught them countless life skills. His greatest pride and joy were his family. He was "Papa Steve" or "Grandpa" to 39 grandchildren who adored him and they all knew that grandpa's love came with a scoop of ice cream or a cup of hot chocolate. He made life a little sweeter one treat at a time. He was just as loved by his loyal dog, Nutmeg, who followed him everywhere and was happiest curled up on his lap or riding shotgun on their next adventure.
Steve lived a life marked by service, humility, and quiet heroism. He proudly served as an EMT, school board member, sheriff's deputy, and 49-year firefighter, answering the call whenever and wherever he was needed. Steve also worked in construction and loved to say he was a jack of all trades but a master of none. Those who knew him might argue otherwise because if something needed fixing, building, hauling, or wiring, Steve could be counted on to figure it out.
He is survived by his wife, Emmalee; his children Britney (Steve), Audry (Leif), Keldon (Genessa), Jarom (Ashley), Tenneal (Brian), Brett (Nikki), Craig (Sarah), Kendall (Keri), Tyler (Cater), Alisha (Josh), and Marissa (Vaughn); grandchildren Kaylie, Tate, Anikka, Taelynn, Tori, Maddie, Jaelyn, Kellan, Kyler, Eric, Braxton, Cora, Jack, Luke, Rachel, Kristen, Janae, Jo, Scarlett, Karsten, Brayden, Aurora, Henry, Reisa, Abigail, Adaline, Mia, Wyatt, Ava, Easton, Ivy, Hadley, Skylar, Brinlee, Rhett, Hailey, Logan, Amado, and Lainey; and his siblings, Robert, Kate and Denise.
Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley; father, Donald; step-mother, Bertha; and sister, Mary Eva; and was no doubt greeted with open arms and maybe a few good-natured jokes when he arrived.
Steve had a quiet strength, a deep faith, and a remarkable ability to make those around him feel safe, heard, and loved. His legacy is one of integrity, service, hard work, and love. He leaves behind a grateful community, a well-used toolbox, and a very large family that will miss him beyond words.
Services will be held Saturday, July 12, 2025 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Manassa, CO at 11:00 AM. Viewing will be from 6:00-8:00 PM on Friday, July 11 and 9:30-10:30 AM on Saturday, July 12, also at the Manassa 3rd Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Interment will follow services in the Manassa-Romeo Cemetery.
Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the services. To leave online words of comfort, remembrances of Steve, or condolences for Steve's family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com