Dale Eugene Sorensen

Dale Eugene Sorensen, 91, passed from this earth into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 15, 2024.  He leaves behind family and friends who love him dearly.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 25, at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 N 4th St, Clear Lake, with Lay Pastor Al Berge officiating.

Visitation will take place from 4-6 p.m. Monday, June 24, at Ward-Van-Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 1st Ave N, Clear Lake.

Memorials may be directed to MercyOne North Iowa Hospice and Zion Lutheran Church.

Dale was born on October 27, 1932 in Exira, Iowa. He was the fourth child born to Soren and Violet Sorensen. His father, Soren, immigrated to the United States from Denmark in 1914.

Dale attended Exira High School and played on their 1950 state championship baseball team. He attended Iowa State Teachers College from 1952-1954, where he also played baseball for the Panthers. While there, he met and married Norma JoAnn Sorensen (Skartvedt) on August 15, 1953 in Ellsworth.  

He served his country in the US Army from 1953-55, spending a tour of duty in Wiesbaden, Germany.  Norma would join him in Germany and their first child, Michael, would be born there. 

Returning to the States, Dale would attend Mankato State College earning a bachelor of science degree in Physical Education, Health and History.  Dale and Norma would also return to Ellsworth and create a loving family of three sons, Michael, Mark and John and a daughter, Susan.  

While a teacher and coach at South Hamilton High School he led the Hawkettes to undefeated seasons and the 1965 Girls State Basketball and Softball Championships. He was later inducted into the Iowa High School Girls Athletics Hall of Fame.  

Dale also earned a Masters in Counseling & Administration from Iowa State University. Dale’s career as a teacher and administrator led him to positions in Ellsworth, Goldfield, Estherville, Corwith-Wesley, Lake Mills and Carlisle serving as Superintendent of Schools in the final three locations. He positively influenced countless students and colleagues.

Norma preceded Dale in death in 1998. In 2003, he married Joyce Sorensen (Ten Haken). They spent 21 blessed years together in Clear Lake.

Dale was first and foremost a follower of Jesus Christ. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. A true patriot, proud Iowan, and loyal Hawkeye supporter. He will be missed by all those who knew him.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents Soren and Violet (Petersen) Sorensen; his wife, Norma; brothers, Leo and Marvin Sorensen; and brother-in-law Robert Worthington.

Those left to cherish Dale’s memory are his wife, Joyce; children, Michael (Catherine) Sorensen, Hidden Hills, Calif.; Mark (Jenny) Sorensen, Raleigh, N.C.; John (Lynnette) Sorensen, West Des Moines; Susan (Ben) Haupts, Waukee; stepchildren, Nathan (Avery) TenHaken, Joice; Heather (Mike) Chapman, Glendale, Ariz.; grandchildren, Britt (Kyle) York, Lucia (Craig), Fusch, Isabel Sorensen, Sophia Sorensen, Becky (Mark) Bitzenhofer, Katy (Grey) Marshall, Danen Sorensen, Jordie (Collin) Neuhaus, Brad Haupts, Hayden (Danny) Garza, Riley Haupts, Calyx (Jacob) Beaver, Carsyn (Harry) Roberts, Grace Chapman and Ben Chapman; great grandchildren Willa, Meredith, Henry, Jane, Blaire, Shepard, Penny, Georgia, Charlotte, Mason, Brice, Perry and Ella; sister, Ramona Worthington, and sister-in-law, Mardy Sorensen.

Ward-Van-Slyke is in charge of arrangements.