9/4/16

Death of a Classmate - Curtis A. Sorenson - 18th Co.


Captain Curtis Alvin Sorenson (USN Retired) passed away peacefully surrounded with family on August 25, 2016. Curt was born on his family farm on September 9, 1928 just outside of Northfield, Minnesota to Danish immigrants Soren Andrew Sorenson and Annie Christine Sorenson. Curt grew up working on the family farm run by his two closest brothers and mother as his father passed when he was only ten. After graduating from high school he enlisted in the Marines for three years which led him to the United States Naval Academy. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1954 and married his home town girl, Marilyn Jean Nelson. Their new life together began in Hawaii where they enjoyed a honeymoon – like first tour. As the Navy tours brought them to Fort Lauderdale, Puerto Rico and South Carolina, they adopted three children: Scott, Bruce and Kristin. Curt and Marilyn turned the next tours in to a family adventure for their children as they were stationed in New York, Rhode Island, Florida, Minnesota, Italy, Virginia and finally settled in Texas. During this time their children developed an appreciation for the peoples and cultures outside the United States. Curt Sorenson

Curt's military career included being the Captain of several ships. He served as the Commander of the Riverine Assault Force in 1968 during the Vietnam War where he survived the harsh realities of war and received the Bronze Star for "meritorious service from 12 to 17 November 1968" during a particularly intense and gruesome battle. He served on the 6th Fleet staff in the Mediterranean (Italy) which led to his assignment to the Pentagon where he was in charge of 6th Fleet Surface Operations (Virginia).   Curt closed his naval career with a tour as head of the ROTC at the University of Texas.

In 1981 he retired from the Navy and began "working" for his wife as she became a well known antique dealer in Georgetown, TX. Curt kept the books and was constantly moving furniture in ever-changing display rooms and buying sprees. After 25 years of the antique business, Curt gave a "two year notice" to his Marilyn that he wished to retire from the antique business. Three years later they sold the business and really retired where they turned their full attention to their every growing number of grandchildren.   Curt and Marilyn were ever-present at their grandchildren's activities that included football, soccer, band and tennis.

Curt was a consummate military man dedicated to his country and the freedom it stands for. He is a veteran of World War II and the Vietnam War. He was also a family man, caring for his family along the adventurous road he created. Large family reunions of over 200 relatives were nearly an annual event in Minnesota as he never lost touch with his humble roots as a farm boy and his love for the farm animals. On his Texas home, where he had goats, chickens, rabbits and horses, he passed on his husbandry affinity to his children and grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Marilyn, and his parents Soren Andrew Sorenson and Annie Christine (Anderson) Sorenson. He is also preceded in death by nine siblings: Sophus Christian Sorenson (1900-85), Clara Maria (Sorenson) Snell (1904-1975), Mabel Louse (Sorenson) Peterson (1905-2000), Martin Siegfried Sorenson (1909-1986), Arthur Julius Sorenson (1911-1985), Viola Myrtle (Sorenson) Olson (1914-1982), Ruth Elizabeth Sorenson (1917-1979), Walter Milton Sorenson (1919-2001), and Harold Andrew Sorenson (1922-2000).

He is survived by his sons: Scott (Beth) Sorenson and Bruce (Shelly) Sorenson; daughter Kristin (Rick) Cantrill; grandsons: Matthew (Stephanie) Sorenson, Zachary Sorenson, Justin (Bethany) Sherwood, Ethan (Shelby) Sorenson, Quincy Sorenson; granddaughters: Jennifer Cantrill and Sidney Sorenson; and great-grandson Coren Sorenson.

Memorials may be made to Georgetown Living or the Wounded Warriors Fund.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 3rd in the Chapel of Ramsey Funeral Home with a reception to follow in the Reception Hall of Ramsey Funeral Home. A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6th at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.

You may share a message or memory in the online memorial guestbook at www.RamseyFuneral.com.





No comments: