Obit: Sorensen, George C. (1921 - 2014)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Cain, Click, Haines, Heyd, LaPointe, Leibke, Madsen, Pomputis, Risinger, Sorensen

----Source: The Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) Online obituary

Sorensen, George C. (16 AUG 1921- 15 JAN 2014)

George C. Sorensen, age 92 of Withee, died Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at his home surrounded by loved ones, under the tender care of Hope Hospice of Medford. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:30 PM on Monday, January 20, 2014 at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Withee.

The Rev. Bonnie Cain will officiate. Burial will be held in the church cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Owen-Withee American Legion Post #123. Family and friends are welcome from 11:30 AM until time of service Monday at the church. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Owen is serving the family.

George was born August 16, 1921, the son of Axel and Anne (Madsen) Sorensen on a farm northwest of Withee in the Town of Hixon. He lived his childhood days on that farm and on a farm in Frenchtown. George graduated from Withee High School in 1940. After graduation he worked on the home farm until September of 1942, when he enlisted in the US Navy Reserve. After 6 months of boot camp he went aboard a Troop Transport where he served 2 tours on the Atlantic going to Africa with troops and returned with Italian prisoners after invading Sicily in WWII. After that tour, he boarded the USS Vincennes. In 1944 he sailed into the Pacific where he was aboard ship for 23 months without hitting port. George was discharged January 1, 1946 with an honorable discharge after serving 3 years, 4 months and 21 days.

He then returned to Withee and worked various jobs, until 1948 when he attended Milwaukee School of Engineering for refrigeration. In March of 1951, he was appointed Rural Mail Carrier on Route 2, Withee by President Harry S. Truman. In 1981 he retired from the US Postal Service.

On June 21, 1952, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Joan LaPointe of Menomonie at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Withee. They had been married 62 years at the time of Joan's death on September 12, 2013.

They had 2 children, John (Jack) Leibke and Catherine (Cathy) Sorensen. George was very active with the Nazareth Lutheran Church, serving on the board and both George and Joan putting in many hours for church functions. George sang in the church choir for many years. In 1953, George was co-founder of the Owen-Withee Lions Club, where he became a charter member. He was very active in all Lion functions and worked at Withee Days every year up to 2013.

He also helped out at the annual Lions ice fishing contest. George was also a member of the Owen-Withee American Legion. George and Joan were very active with many functions of the Withee community. After retirement, George and Joan spent over 18 years being snowbirds from January thru March, traveling to Arizona and Texas. They made many Wisconsin friends thru the years, plus friends from other locations. They enjoyed camping, dancing, playing cards, visiting casinos and just spending time with each other, friends and family. George enjoyed golfing, fishing, listening to old time music, gardening, growing beautiful roses in their yard, grilling, spending time with grandchildren, reading newspapers and just enjoying life until his last days. He will be missed by many for his sense of humor, willing to help people and for just being George.

George is survived by 1 sister; Emily Sorensen of Marshfield, his daughter-in-law, Nancy (Glen) Haines of Withee; four grandchildren: Michelle (friend, Dave) Heyd of Aberdeen, SD, Paul (Heidi) Click of Rochester, MN, Catherine (friend, Brad) Leibke of Chippewa Falls, Jennifer (Lucas) Risinger of Chippewa Falls; eight great-grandchildren: Heather, Devon, John, Lexi, Katrina, Karsten, Harper and Willa; his special cousins, 3 nephews and many friends.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Axel and Anne Sorensen, his wife, Joan; his son, John (Jack) Leibke; his daughter, Catherine (Cathy) Sorensen, sister, Alice Andersen; a granddaughter, Lori Pomputis and a great-grandson, Jordan Heyd.

Memorials can be made to the Nazareth Lutheran Church or the Owen-Withee Lions Club.Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.George's family wishes to thank Hope Hospice for the wonderful care they provided George, Pastor Bonnie Cain for her visits and prayers and to their wonderful friends and neighbors.