Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Gerald Sorensen Obituary
October 25, 1938 - February 7, 2025
Richland, Washington - Gerald C. Sorensen, Jr was born in Yuba City, CA to Vera Maude and Gerald C. Sorensen, Sr. Along with his siblings, Vivian, Kenneth, Gaye and Arlo, they grew up in Vallejo, CA, playing baseball in the street, taking family road trips that often started with cold hot dogs and powdered doughnuts and growing a legacy of love. They made life-long friends with each other and many others along the way.
Gerald graduated from high school at the age of 16, having skipped kindergarten and 7th grade. He attended Vallejo Junior College, then 2 years at Brigham Young University, until he left for a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served 2.5 years in Norway, a country he grew to love deeply and made life-long friends. He kept up his Norwegian language skills throughout his entire life. He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and enjoyed much of his professional career working for Washington Public Power Supply System as a licensing engineer. Upon retirement from WPPSS he went to work the next day for Battelle. His favorite job was working at a gas station in his teen years.
Gerald met Nancy Ann Clarke when they were 10 years old. They had a large group of friends and dated prior to his mission. Upon returning from Norway, Gerald and Nancy married in the Los Angeles Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in December 1961. Together they also served an 18-month mission to Norway from 2009-2011. They supported their children in multiple sports, music, education, and many opportunities for personal growth.
With Nancy's full support, Gerald served faithfully in many assignments for The Church, including Young Men's Leader, Bishop, Stake President, Columbia River Temple Sealer and Richland Stake Patriarch. He faithfully ministered to many. He was even sure to finish his ministering visits for the day prior to going to the emergency room in July 2024, where he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). He was active in his community, serving on the Richland School Board for 8 years, assisting in Scouting (earned the Silver Beaver Award) and coaching basketball, softball, baseball and soccer.
Waterskiing was one of Gerald's favorite activities, especially at Twin Lakes or the Columbia River. He has shared that love with anyone willing to try. He also enjoyed pulling anyone on inner tubes behind his boat for "a relaxing ride". He was quick to offer a bowl of ice cream to those who visited his home. At Twin Lakes, the grandchildren followed him like ducklings as he led the way to buy ice cream for them. He will always be remembered for "pinching out the candle", sharing his testimony and serving all those around him. Gerald loved people. And people love him.
His children, Caryn (Keith) Thornhill, Kristin (Jonathan) Hunt, Kraig (Stephanie) Sorensen, Ryan (Amy) Sorensen, Rustin (Deeana) Sorensen, Steven (Rozann) Sorensen and Alison (Jeff) Risenmay have been blessed by a father who loves their mother, taught them to work and serve others, and shared his love of Jesus Christ daily through his words and actions. Gerald is blessed with 33 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.
He passed peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. He is preceded in death by his parents and two grandchildren, Stuart and Riley.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 15 at 11:00 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1720 Thayer Drive, Richland. A viewing will be held on Friday, February 14, 5-7 p.m.; and Saturday, February 15, 10-10:30 a.m. at the same location as the funeral.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Humanitarian or Missionary fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Please share your thoughts and memories of Gerald by visiting www.pioneerchapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Sorensen
Brian and Joy Dixon family
February 15, 2025
Several years ago we had a major problem with our car. We had only one at the time, and the transmission needed to be rebuilt. Gerald offered to let us use one of his cars that "was just sitting around" at the time. We couldn´t really afford a rental car for an extended period and so took him up on the offer. They replaced the transmission and we had it back within a week and a half or so. It still wasn´t working properly so we took it back for a second try and then a third. It was probably about a month, maybe longer, before we had a working car back. This whole time Gerald kept saying not to worry. Just get it back when we could. He taught us a great lesson throughout the whole process and we´ve since tried to pay it forward. We have a truck that we find ourselves loaning out often. Each time we do, I think of the generosity of Gerald Sorenson. We were so very grateful!!!
Glenn and Bonnie Pond
February 15, 2025
Bonnie and Glenn Pond are writing this remembrance. We knew Gerald and Nancy Sorensen when we lived in Richland at the start of career following graduation from college. Both Gerald and Nancy and their family greeted as new members of the Richland community. We came to Richland in 1967. We knew them from Church, water-skiing, sports, and get togethers from time to time. Gerald opened our eyes of what it meant to be a great person, down-to-earth friend, and an example of what we should all be like. It was fun driving our boat pulling Gerald off the sandy beach as he showed us all how it is down to ski bare footed. I pushed our boat to full throttle with about 1/2 of the 75 foot foot still in front of Gerald as he began running down the beach holding on to the rope. As I reach full speed and the rope was taunt, Gerald disappeared in a ball of water only to come out a few seconds later on his feet. I will never forget that moment seeing Gerald do on feet what many of us sought to do on water-skis.
Besides sports and water skiing we enjoyed our association in Church as members of the same ward in the Richland Washington stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When the Sorenson´s moved to California for a short time, we were able to visit them and stayed a couple of nights with them. Gerald even invited me to play in a fast-pitch softball game which was exciting to me. Our second oldest daughter, Tamara, and Kristen were about the same age.
We left Richland in the early 1970´s to become part of the start-up team for new petroleum refinery near Bellingham, Washington. We came back to Richland to visit years later to celebrate with the family and friends the wedding of one of Gerald and Nancy´s children.
We can´t say enough how nice it was to be able to know Gerald and Nancy. Gerald is one the HERO´s of this lifetime. I compare him to President Gordon B. Hinckley as a gentle giant who loved and served people and made us feel special and wanted.
Yes, Gerald has graduated to the next phase of existence we all hope to attain one day. I know his contribution and service will continue in this next phase. The family will be sad at his separation for a season but can rejoice because they will be able to be with him again as we all fight the good fight of holding fast to the IRON ROD.
Ben and Sheralee Geppert
February 13, 2025
Gerald befriended me when I arrived in Richland many years ago and he was always a loving, kind, and inspirational friend to my family. He was a great man. He made a difference!
Austin Ray & Susan L. Johnson
February 12, 2025
The world is a poorer place without Gerald C Sorenson
Jeff Schmidt
February 12, 2025
Gerald (he will always be Mr. Sorensen to me :o) ) will always have a special place in my heart. I first knew him as a boy's soccer coach (I think the team was the Wildcats). He made always made it a lot of fun and I think back at the patience it must have taken to try to wrangle a group young boys. A particularly fond memory is Gerald standing at the counter of the Dairy Queen on Jadwin Ave. with a smile on his face as he treated each kid on the team to a DQ treat to celebrate the end of the season. Years later when I was a young adult Gerald went out of his way to provide comfort and support to my family and me during two moments of great loss in our family. It meant the world and it has always stuck with me. I'm thankful to read about what a wonderful live he lived and the legacy he leaves behind. My most sincere condolences to the Sorensen family. I'm so sorry for your loss but am even more thankful for the life you got to share with Gerald.
Maureen & Walt Hales
February 12, 2025
We are so grateful to have enjoyed taking Gerald & Nancy for a cruise in our `57 Chevy convertible . He suggested going to a spot where we could view the Columbia River from
the car. He helped us see the joy in simply sharing time with people we love.
That marked the final ride in our old car before moving from Washington to Tennessee.
Now you´ve moved on but we hope to have another occasion to visit in the future.
David Ottley
February 12, 2025
President Sorensen was a great friend and mentor! We worked together at the Supply System and in church and Scouting. He preceded me in practically every calling I´ve had for the past 40 years and was always ready with helpful advice.
I will miss his ready smile and firm handshake as he greeted me. The temple won´t be the same without him.
His love and respect for Nancy was evident. I know some of his children and they are great examples of his legacy. Isn´t it great that families can be together for ever! Love, David Ottley
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in Gerald Sorensen's name
Memorial Events
for Gerald Sorensen
Feb
15
Funeral services provided by:
Pendleton Pioneer Chapel, Folsom-Bishop131 Byers Ave SE, Pendleton, OR 97801
How to support Gerald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Gerald Sorensen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
