The John Sorensen obituary was a heartfelt remembrance of his musical and humanitarian life.
After suffering health issues, John James Luther Sorensen, a loving father and proud veteran of the navy, passed away on July 23, 2023. He was a devoted spouse, a caring father, and a devoted grandfather.
John’s musical abilities shone clearly throughout his time in the military.
He served in band units stationed at Little Creek, Virginia; Charleston, South Carolina; and Great Lakes, Illinois while playing clarinet.
He also served in the Western Pacific Unit and aboard the USS Blue Ridge in Japan. John was a beloved friend to many people as well; his generosity, zeal, and religion will be dearly missed.
The son of Kathleen and James Sorensen, John Sorensen attended Washington Park High School in Racine, Wisconsin, where he graduated in 1986.
Soon after, he began his eleven-year duty in the United States Navy.
John enlisted in the Navy Reserves in 2013 and later rose to the positions of Chief Mass Communication Specialist and Senior Enlisted Leader for the Office of Community Outreach in the Navy Reserve.
His fellow sailors held him in high regard and were proud of his role as a mentor to many.
Early in the 1990s, John fell in love with Karen Lewicke, and on August 2, 1996, they were wed.
Together, they brought up Erin and Kyle and welcomed Hannah into the world in 1999.
John’s love of music inspired him to study at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, where he earned a degree in Music Education in 2001.
From that point on, John started a career as a high school band director, working there from 2001 until his untimely demise.
John furthered his experience in the industry by earning his Master of Music from Carthage College in 2008.
John’s enthusiasm for music extended beyond the classroom.
He played in several regional ensembles all his life.
These featured the Southport Sound, Swing Nouveau, Wisconsin Chamber Brass Quintet, Racine Concert Band, UW-Parkside Community Band, and Kenosha Pops Band.
He was happy to donate his skills to worthy organisations and was a regular performer at neighbourhood gatherings like the yearly Kenosha Classic Cruise-In.
John also belonged to Reach Ministries, a New Life Kenosha church, and was a devout Christian.
John Sorensen’s commitment to his family and love of music were admirably emphasised in his obituary.
The Rita Tallent Picken Regional Centre for Arts and Humanities at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside will host a visitation on July 29, 2023.
The next thing that happened was a Christian funeral service honouring John’s life and numerous accomplishments.
The family asked that donations be given to the “John Sorensen Memorial Fund” rather than sending flowers.
This will help community-wide educational efforts and pay tribute to his lifelong commitment to mentoring and teaching.
John will be remembered for his ardent devotion to his family, love of music, and dedication to public service.