Obituary of Peter Sorensen

Peter Russell Sorensen January 24th 1936 - February 3, 2013 Peter "Pete" Sorensen was born to first generation Danish immigrants in Omaha, Nebraska on 1/24/1936. He and his parents lived there, along with Pete's brothers Lynn and Daniel, until his father was transferred to Morocco in the mid 1950's. Pete and his family eventually moved back to the States, and Pete attended Dana college in Nebraska where he played football and baseball. One fond memory he had of his time playing college sports was when he faced the great baseball pitcher Bob Gibson, and he succeeding in "hitting a foul ball." He never tired of telling this story. He ultimately decided the Nebraska winters were uncivilized, and became determined to move west with his life long friend Lee. But before he left, he met the woman who would become his wife, Madeleine Kay Dresler. She followed him to Los Angeles, and there they were married in 1961. Pete and Madeleine eventually settled in the Santa Maria area near Vandenberg Air Force Base and worked for the Army Corp of Engineers - a job he held for many years and characterized throughout his life as his most rewarding and enjoyable career. As Pete and Madeleine's family grew, Pete began working for the Veteran's Administration, becoming a real estate appraiser. His career allowed him to provide for his family for over 35 years, and he reluctantly retired last year. Pete was an avid golfer, participating in many pro-am tournaments, some of which he won. He enjoyed this sport immensely with his sons. He was the consummate role model for his sons and his daughters. He was also a history buff, and many a night was spent around the dinner table with history trivia questions being levied at his children, who grew up, too, to know obscure happenings in the history of the world. Pete was also an avid outdoorsman and fisherman. He enjoyed camping and fishing with his sons and grandsons for many years. Pete was as loyal and loving husband. As a father he will be remembered as a loving, perseverant, loyal and consistent dad. As a grandfather he will be remembered as knowing all the sports statistics, being ready to fish, play catch, and shoot hoops; he was always ready with a joke and big hugs. Pete attended more children's sporting events than we can ever count. Nothing gave Pete more joy then having his children and grandchildren spending time together as a family. He was truly a father and a husband by whom all others might be measured. Pete leaves behind his wife Madeleine of 51 years and 8 living children; Sharon, Jennifer, Joseph, Kathleen, Michael, Molly, Anne and John. He leaves behind grandchildren Nicholas, Connor, Michaela, Clare, Hannah, Emma, Meghan, Eve, Cley, Andrew, Lisa, and Vaughn. He is preceded in death by son Daniel, who passed away in 1999 at the age of 27. Daniel and Pete were inseparable in life. We are certain that Daniel greeted his dad in heaven with a big "high five," his arms open wide and a smile that lit up the sky! A viewing will be held from 6-9 pm, with a vigil at 7 pm on Thursday, February 7th at Rose Family Funeral Home. A mass will be held at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church on Friday, February 8th at noon.