Robert M. Sorensen

Racine – Robert M. Sorensen, 93, passed away at Franciscan Villa in South Milwaukee on Sunday, September 4, 2011. Bob was born in Kenosha on April 16, 1918, the son of the late Magnus and Caroline (nee: Petura) Sorensen. He was a Racine resident for most of his life. On June 10, 1939, he was united in holy matrimony to Virginia Murphy in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

Bob graduated from Washington Park High School, where he was president of the class of 1936, and in 2003 he was inducted into the Park High School hall of Fame. His plans to continue his education after high school changed when, due to a family illness, he needed to work in order to support his family. In 1936 he began working as a route salesman at Omar Baking Company, and then in 1940 began working for the Borden Dairy as a route salesman. While at Borden’s he was promoted to Sales Manager. Bob changed careers in 1951 when he took a position with the Racine Safety Council. That position led him to a very successful 27-year career as the Regional Director of the National Safety Council.

Bob was a passionately civic-minded man during his lifetime. He spent many hours each week volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America; the March of Dimes; Racine Junior Chamber of Commerce; Racine Community Chest; American Red Cross; St. Luke’s Hospital; the Annual Goodwill Parade; and many other community organizations. Bob was an active supporter of the Republican Party at the local, State, and National levels, and proudly served on the Wisconsin delegation to the 2^nd inauguration of President Reagan. Bob was also a member of the Moose Lodge #437; and an active and faithful member of St. Richard Catholic Church.

Bob is survived by his children, Jane (David) Farmer of Racine, and Thomas (Karlene) Sorensen of Oak Creek; six grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; his sister and brother, Gladys Tenwinkle, and Magnus (Mary) Sorensen, Jr. all of Kenosha; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his dear wife, Virginia; his daughter, Barbara Snyder; and sister, Marion Black.

Funeral services for Robert “Bob” Sorensen will be held in the funeral home on Sunday evening, September 11, 2001 at 6pm. Visitation for the public will begin at 4pm. Bob will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery at 10am on Monday, September 12, 2011. Memorials to St. Monica’s Senior Citizen’s home have been suggested.