Kenneth Sorensen, 72

Kenneth Edward Sorensen, age 72, of Hudson, Wis., died peacefully while surrounded by family on Jan. 17 after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in St. Croix Falls, Wis., to his Danish parents, Edward and Nina Sorensen. Raised on their farm, Ken developed a passion for hobby farming and was blessed to have his own farm just south of Hudson, Wis. Ken went to the University of Wisconsin - River Falls where he earned his BA and MA in diversified education. He subsequently taught in the Stillwater School District for 34 years where he met his wife, Joan. They were united in marriage on Dec.18, 1965, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minn. Their marriage was blessed with three children.

It was common for Ken to run into former students and their families during his retirement years, and they always commented on how much they enjoyed having him as their teacher. Ken was loved by all who knew him. He was gracious, kind, and enjoyed spending time with friends and family. In addition to his passion for hobby farming, he enjoyed woodworking, fishing, boating, deer hunting, sports, and travel. He used his love of woodworking to help family and friends finish basements and make furniture. Ken touched many lives and will be dearly missed.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Joan Sorensen; dear sister, Kathryn Sorensen; his children, Matt (Lisa), Dan (Darcie), Jennifer (Kirk) Holt; grandchildren, Megan, Emily, Ryan, Wyatt, and David; and many other extended family members.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Nina Sorensen, and in-laws, Russell and Lillian Johnson.

A visitation will be held 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20, at O'Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson, and 1 hour prior to the service at church on Monday. Funeral services will take place 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 21, at Bethel Lutheran Church, 920 Third St., Hudson, with Pastor John Lestock officiating. Interment will take place at Willow River Cemetery in Hudson. Bob Jacobson, Ralph Swenson, Terry Felland, Bill Dahlin, Bernie Anderson, and Jim Muckerheide will be assisting as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Ken's District 834 colleagues. Memorials are preferred to Bethel Lutheran Church and the American Cancer Society/Relay for Life.

Funeral services are entrusted to the O'Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, 715-386-3725, www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com.

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