Joann Lydia Sorenson

Joann Sorenson, age 75 of Appleton, passed away Sunday evening, October 30, 2022, in Appleton Area Health-Hospital.  Visitation will be 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 1 p.m., Friday, November 4, 2022, at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton.  Burial will be in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Shible Township.

On August 9, 1947, Joann Lydia Schmidt was born to Dorothy (Stock) and Leonard Schmidt in Appleton, MN. Joann lived a simple life, and her wants were few. If you would have asked Joann what she wanted to be remembered for, without a doubt, her answer would have been her relationship with God and her deep love for her family.

Joann was a BOY MOM. She could not have been prouder of her four sons - Scot, Jason, Matt, and Shawn Sorenson. For most of her life, Joann was blessed to be a stay-at-home mom to dote on her children. She attended every Christmas party, parent-teacher conference, piano recital, field trip, sporting event, and special occasion possible. Once the boys were in high school, you would find Joann in the gym with a camcorder the size of a small suitcase over her shoulder taping any basketball game, concert, or awards ceremony they were part of. Their glory was her glory. After the boys graduated high school and attended college, she supported their new endeavors and successes by frequently traveling to the different towns they each lived in. She was proud of their accomplishments and the lives they created.

Joann treasured her growing family. She was blessed to welcome daughters-in-law Teresa Lundy (Scot) and Jolene Johnson (Jason) to her family. Of course, her proudest moments were welcoming each new grandchild throughout the years, including Hailey and Alyssa Sorenson (Scot), Jager, Jordy and Jayda Sorenson (Jason), and Dorothy and Everett Sorenson (Matt).

Joann kept busy going to her grandchildren’s sporting events, church programs, school activities, and so much more. If she could not make it to one of the special events she would call, text or send a special card, flowers or balloon to them so they knew they were special and so loved!

When Joann had any extra time, she enjoyed being with her mother, the late Dorothy Stock Hans and her three sisters - Lois Koosmann (Roger), Linda Opsahl (Mark) and the late Elaine (Charles) Johnson. She enjoyed her girl time! They could talk and laugh for hours. Of course, she treasured seeing her sisters and their families at various weddings, showers, reunions, birthdays and other special occasions! She was proud to be an aunt and great-aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Family was everything to Joann! She showed this every day in the way she lived and prayed. She did not desire material things; rather her prayers were for health, happiness, and peace for her family. She talked with God daily and lived by the Word of the Lord. She will forever be loved and missed, and we are thankful for her unwavering guidance, support, and love.

Until we meet again, may the Lord Hold You in the Palm of His Hand.