Gerald “Jerry” Sorenson, 74, of St. Ignace, passed away Tuesday evening, August 11, 2009, at his home of cancer, surrounded by his family.

He was born August 3, 1935, in St. Ignace to Myron and Leone (nee Reiman) Sorenson and was graduated from LaSalle High School in 1953.

He served in the U.S. Marines and then worked for the U.S. Post Office for 27 years in St. Ignace, Sault Ste. Marie, Gaylord, and Hessel. He then worked for the Lambert Center as custodian for eight years and retired owing to ill health. He served as a fireman in St. Ignace for more than 15 years.

Mr. Sorenson was a member of St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in St. Ignace, the Eagles in Gaylord, and the American Legion Post 62 in St. Ignace.

He enjoyed golfing at St. Ignace Golf and Country Club and was an avid sportsman and especially liked deer hunting.

He married Shirley Winters April 18, 1959, and she survives. He is also survived by two sons and their families, Jerry and Terri of Gaylord and John of Kalamazoo; three daughters and their families, Toni and Randy Rich of Gaylord, Judy and Stephen Johnson of Gaylord, and Theresa Trudeau of St. Ignace; three brothers and their families, Merle and Cathy of St. Martins Point, Duane and Dorothy of Springfield, Missouri, and Roger and Cheryl of Greentown, Indiana; 13 grandchildren, and nine greatgrandchildren.

Visitation was Friday, August 14, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with parish prayers led by Deacon Don Olmstead. Mass of Christian burial was Saturday, August 15, at 11 a.m. at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church with Father Jim Williams and Deacon Don Olmstead officiating.

Burial was in Lakeside Cemetery with graveside services led by the St. Ignace American Legion Post.

Pallbearers were Leonard Valentine, Arnie Frazier, Justin Johnson, Cole Johnson, Donnie Sorenson, and Jess Rich.

Memorials may be directed to the family, with envelopes available at Dodson Funeral Home, who assisted the family with arrangements.