Larry Sorensen

Larry G. Sorensen, 67, of Cedar Falls, died Tuesday, December 9, 2014, at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo. Larry was born December 19, 1946, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Elly and Gordon Sorensen. Larry was raised on a farm in Denver, Iowa, and later moved to Cedar Falls where he graduated in 1965. Larry was married to Rosemary Putnam in November 1965. Larry was drafted in the U.S. Army in 1966 and proudly served in Vietnam 1966-1967. While in Vietnam, Larry and Rosie were blessed with twin boys and five years later a beautiful baby girl. Larry began his 33 years at Cedar Falls Utilities in 1968. He started unloading coal and retired as manager of the gas department. There are too many special memories to even count. Larry served and chaired on many boards: the Iowa Municipal Utilities Board, the Cedar Falls Community Credit Union Board, the Ice House Museum, and the Annual Garden Tour. Larry also served on the board for the Cedar Falls Gun Club. He especially enjoyed the time spent shooting in the Trap League every spring and fall. He thoroughly enjoyed those responsibilities and treasured the friendships he made along the way. Larry has also enjoyed the monthly get-togethers with his classmates from the C.F. High Class of 1965, "Forever Young." It has also been a blessing to be a part of our church family at St. John Lutheran. Upon retiring, Larry helped his boys build houses and worked for Crescent Electric for three years. Larry was truly given a gift when he was hired by the State of Iowa as an Inspector for Gas Utilities. He would still be working if it hadn't been for the cancer that eventually took his life. Larry dealt with the cancer the same way he led his life; with great intelligence, courage, hard work, and always a great sense of humor. Larry is survived by his wife, Rosie; two sons, Gordie (Lynette), Gerald (Stephanie), and daughter Shari (Tad) Ritter; grandchildren, Heather (Zeb) Nicholson, Ashley Sorensen of Miami, Samantha Sorensen, Andrew Sorensen, Hayley Ritter, Tyler Sorensen, Ryan Ritter, Austin and Dalton Dickinson, and two great-grandchildren, Quentin and Alice Nicholson, brother Bruce (Jess) Sorensen and many nieces and nephews. Larry was preceded in death by his mother (Elly) and father (Gordon), brother (Leroy) and step father (Everett Eddy). Larry's legacy is his wife who fell in love with him the night they met and his children and grandchildren who always surprise and amaze with their spirit and love that shines so bright. The family would like to thank everyone who has been on this journey with them. The doctors and nurses, both here and in Iowa City, have shown wisdom and compassion and gave us the extra time with Larry that we are so grateful for. To the family and wonderful friends who have helped us along the way, we are more grateful than words can say. Services will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 13, 2014, at St. John Lutheran Church with inurnment in Greenwood Cemetery, both in Cedar Falls. Military honors will be conducted by Cedar Falls AMVETS Post 49. Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home. A memorial fund will be established. Condolences may be left at www.DahlFuneralHome.com.