In Memory of Gary Lee Sorensen

Gary Lee Sorensen, age 77, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at the Horn Memorial Hospital of Ida Grove, Iowa.

A Graveside Service will be held at a later date at the Linwood Hill Cemetery of Linwood, Nebraska, with Military Rites conducted.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Gary Lee Sorensen, the son of Edwin H. and Libbie L. (Stuchl) Sorensen, was born on February 8, 1946, in North Bend, Nebraska. He grew up in the Linwood, Nebraska, area. At the age of 14, Gary enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserves. This would become the beginning of his lifelong Naval career as he would actively serve in the military from 1978 to 1994 serving as a corrections specialists and security guard. Gary proudly served his country in Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm.

After his retirement from the service and honorable discharge in 1994, Gary returned to Linwood to care for his mother. During this time, he attended a community college and received a degree in business management. In 2000, Gary met Pam Woebke and moved to Ida Grove, Iowa. Pam and her children, Jennifer and Timothy, welcomed him into their family. 

Gary was an avid fisherman, enjoyed woodworking, and was musically inclined playing both the guitar and singing. He even made an appearance on The Jerry Lewis Show to share his musical talents. In his retirement, Gary enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, researching family genealogy as well as studying Western History and the Native American culture. He was a world traveler and loved to try new and different foods.

Known for his big personality, Gary loved everyone he met and they loved him. He lit up the room and no one was a stranger to him. He will be dearly missed by those who knew him.

Left to cherish his memory include his life partner Pam Woebke of Ida Grove, IA; his children Harlan (Val) Sorensen of Nebraska, Adam Sorensen of California, Susan (Jerrimy) Anderson of California, Jennifer Gaskins (fiancé Jason Hollander) of Ida Grove, IA and Timothy Lorenzen of Joplin, MO; numerous grandchildren; brother Dennis (Connie) Sorensen of Oklahoma; many friends and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Libbie Sorensen; his maternal and paternal grandparents.