Helen Mildred Sorenson

June 13, 1919 — July 29, 2016

Helen Mildred Sorenson, age 97, of Appleton, died Friday, July 29, 2016, at the Appleton Area Health Services Care Center. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 2, 2016, with visitation for one hour prior, at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton.

Helen Mildred (Schoning) Sorenson was born June 13, 1919, in Clay County, Spencer, Iowa, to Ernest Nicholas and Edith Mae (Beck) Schoning. She was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church in Spencer, Iowa. She attended Country School in Clay County and graduated from Lake Center High School. On September, 17, 1938, Helen was united in marriage to John Pershing Sorenson in Jackson, Minnesota. They started farming and became parents of two daughters and one son. They farmed at Milford, Spencer and Everly. They bought a farm in Minnesota and moved to Appleton in 1959. They continued to farm until 1977 and then retired and moved into town and enjoyed city living. John passed away in October of 1984 and their son, David, took over the farm.
Among Helen’s hobbies and enjoyments were family, cards, traveling, reading, and golf. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, the American Legion Auxiliary, and other groups when she was younger.

Helen was a dedicated wife, mother, and friend to many. She was hardworking, always there when she was needed. She was always fun to be with. She enjoyed her grandchildren very much, being able to be with them many times, especially at their baptisms, confirmations, graduations, and weddings. She went on vacations with her family often.

Helen is survived by her three children: Connie Riley of Doylestown, PA; Carol (Dale) Seppa of Menomonie, WI; and David (Joann) of Appleton, MN; ten grandchildren: Mark (Nancy) Riley, Carol Manno, Erin Derrah, Michael (Stacey) Riley, Paul (Beverly) Seppa, Joel (Ruth) Seppa, Scott (Teresa) Sorenson, Jason (Jolene) Sorenson, Matt Sorenson, and Shawn Sorenson; twenty great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Elaine Sorenson and Myrna Sorenson; brother-in-law, John Grutzik; stepbrother, Jim (Joann) Schoning; stepsisters, Karon Schoning and Linda (Bob) Miller; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Sorenson; parents, Edith and Ernest Schoning; brothers: Dale Schoning, Virgil Schoning and Duane Schoning; sisters-in-law: Margene Schoning, Betty Schoning, Mary Schoning, Norma DeKoster, and Elna (George) Larson; brothers-in-law: Everett Sorenson, Keith Sorenson, Leonard Sorenson, Letha Grutzik; stepmother, Gladys Schoning; and son-in-law, Robert Riley.

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)

Zion Lutheran Church-Appleton, MN

23 East Rooney Avenue, Appleton, MN 56208

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