Marvin "Marv" Sorensen

Racine – Marvin Svend Sorensen, age 80, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 18, 2014 after a courageous seven-year battle with cancer.

Marvin was born in Racine on March 21, 1934 to the late George T. and Beulah O. (nee: Wick) Sorensen. He graduated from Washington Park High School in 1952. Part of an extremely patriotic family, Marv faithfully served our Country with the United States Navy during the Korean War from 1952 – 1959 aboard the USS Hawkins & USS Markab.

On December 19, 1959, Marv was united in marriage with the love of his life, Leone “Lee” Frances (nee: Bottkol) Sorensen.  He was employed by Alcatel-Lucent, also known as AT&T, for many years until his retirement in 1989. Marv was a proud advocate and member of the NRA, Boy Scout Troop 400 and VFW Post 1391. Some of his interests included hunting, NASCAR, playing cribbage, hunting, Green Bay Packers, spending time at his cabin in Mercer, and serving as self-proclaimed block watch captain on Delaware Avenue. Above all, Marv cherished being together with his entire family – especially his grandchildren.

Surviving are his loving wife of nearly 55 years, Lee; their children, Lois (Dr. Gregory Gauthier) Sorensen of Tampa, Florida & Mark (Cathy) Sorensen of Racine; adored grandchildren, Nik Sorensen, Carly (Phil) Reidenbach, Gregory Michael Gauthier & Eric Sorensen; brother, Robert Lee Sorensen; sisters-in-law, Nancy Sorensen, Barbara Kurten and Nancy Sexton; brother-in-law, James Donald (Nancy Jo) Bottkol; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends – too numerous to mention all by name.

In addition to his parents, Marv was preceded in death by his brothers, Floyd Sorensen, Daryl Sorensen and Donald (Dee) Sorensen; brothers-in-law, Dr. Timothy Kurten and A. James Sexton; Lee’s parents, Leo & Anna (nee: Skala) Bottkol; and by several dear Delaware Avenue neighbors.

Funeral services will be led by Deacon Lois Sorensen from the Florida-Bahamas Synod of the ELCA, on Friday, September 26, 2014 at 10:00 am at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. Interment, with military honors, will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. All family and friends are invited to Marv’s life celebration luncheon after the cemetery service. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Thursday from 4:00 – 7:00 pm and on Friday from 9-10 am. In the spirit of Marv, all are encouraged to wear flannel, blaze orange or Green Bay Packer attire to the visitation & funeral. In memory of Marv, memorials to the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Union Grove for Fairchild Hall have been suggested.

A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Michael P. Mullane and the entire staff of Aurora Cancer Center – Racine, especially Sharon, Lisa and Kelly (the PA), for the compassionate care and support given during Marv’s time of need. May God bless all of you!