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Dennis Sorensen Obituary
Dennis J. Sorensen
1944 - 2022
BLOOMINGTON - Dennis J. Sorensen, 77, died on February 11, 2022 at Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal, IL, thus ending a decades-long battle with Type 1 Diabetes and multiple heart attacks.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Per his instructions there will be no visitation or funeral. Friends and family will gather in the spring for a Celebration of Life.
Dennis was born in 1944, in Milwaukee, WI, to Harold and Victoria Sorensen.
He married his high school sweetheart, Ellyn Steinbach, Aug. 8, 1964, in Milwaukee. She survives, along with their three sons: Matt (Lisa), Chad (Apsara) and Jason (Melissa), all of Bloomington. Also surviving are ten grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he began his career as a writer for United Press International and the Associated Press. From 1964 to 1970 his assignments included covering the NFL champion Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Bucks.
He was promoted to the Chicago bureau of the Associated Press in 1970 as the Broadcast Director for the Midwest region. He was voted the AP's Best Broadcast Writer in 1973 by the National Radio and Television News Directors Association.
In 1974 he became a television writer-producer at State Farm's newly formed Creative Services Department in Bloomington. In 1980 he became head of the Agency Communications Division – a job he held until his retirement in 2004.
An avid golfer, he was a long-time member of Lakeside Country Club and the McLean County Senior Golf Association. He also belonged to the Moose Lodge 745.
Dennis and Ellyn enjoyed world travel, making dozens of trips to Europe and spending hundreds of nights on cruises. They spent part of many winters in Mexico.
In his younger years, he enjoyed being a singer-songwriter. Other activities included playing cards with friends, reading and working crossword and sudoku puzzles.
His favorite times were those he spent with his family, who he said provided him a "storybook life".
Memorials in honor of Dennis may be made to the American Diabetes Association, online or by mail to American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7223, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023
To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Sorensen
4 Entries
Dawn
February 17, 2022
Auntie Ellyn/ and family
We were saddened to hear the passing of Uncle Denny, we are all so very sorry for your loss. We were absolutely blessed to have him in our lives, also happy to have our children meet and know him as well. We have such good memories, especially when we were all younger, he was our one and only Uncle and we were very fortunate to have him. He was a good man, very kind, generous and had a great sense of humor, he always made us laugh. That spirit will be missed. We are thinking of you and your family at this time and hope you all can find some peace in days to come. Hope to see you all this Spring and Summer to celebrate his life.
Your Milwaukee Family
Nancy and Karsten
February 17, 2022
Dearest Ellyn, Our hearts ache for you and the sadness you must feel. Having been high school sweethearts as well, we can only imagine how hard it is to lose someone who has been part of one's life for so long. Surely time will lessen the pain, but it will never go away. May your sons and grandchildren be constant reminders of Dennis and his good qualities, and be great comfort to you.
Nancy and Karsten Boerger
Greg Laird
February 15, 2022
My sincere condolences to Ellyn and the entire family. I always enjoyed working with Dennis and respected him so much. What a joy he was! Great memories.
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