Obit: Sorensen, Joan L. (1919 - 2013)

Contact: Stan
Email: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Sorensen, La Pointe, Gotthelf, Leibke, Haines, Heyd, Click, Risinger, Harper

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 14 Sep 2013

Sorensen, Joan L. (22 MAY 1919 - 12 SEP 2013)

Joan L. Sorensen, age 94 of Withee, passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at her home surrounded by love ones under the tender care of hospice. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Withee. The Rev. Nancy Amacher will officiate. Burial will be held in the church cemetery. Family and friends are welcome from 12:00 PM until time of service Tuesday at the church.

Joan was born May 22, 1919 in Minneapolis, MN, the daughter of Joseph and Catherine (La Pointe) Gotthelf. She graduated from Menomonie High School in 1937. After graduation, Joan worked at O & N Lumber Company in Menomonie. In January of 1942, she was united in marriage to Paul Leibke and to them was born a son, Jack Leibke. In 1946, Paul was killed in a plane crash. Joan was united in marriage to George C. Sorensen on June 21, 1952 at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Withee where they lived for over 60 years. In 1956, their daughter, Catherine Ann Sorensen was born. She worked at the State Bank in Withee.

Joan enjoyed bowling, playing bridge, dancing, camping and her African violets. She and George enjoyed retirement by going to Arizona and Texas for the winter months. They celebrated their 25th, 40th, 50th and 60th anniversaries with friends and family. Joan also was treasurer of the Women's Group at Nazareth Lutheran Church. She also was a member of the Central WI Camping Group for 30 years. Joan especially loved spending time with friends and family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Joan is survived by her husband, George of Withee; daughter-in-law, Nancy (Glen) Haines of Schofield; four grandchildren: Michelle (friend, Dave) Heyd, Paul (Heidi) Click, Catherine (friend, Brad) Leibke and Jennifer (Lucas) Risinger; eight great-grandchildren: Heather, Devon, John, Lexi, Katrina, Karsten, Harper and Willa. She is further survived by a sister-in-law, Emily Sorensen of Marshfield, and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Paul; her son, Jack Leibke; her daughter, Catherine; a granddaughter, Lori and a great-grandson, Jordan.

In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials are requested for Nazareth Lutheran Church.

Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Owen is assisting the family with arrangements.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.