In Memory of Kenneth C. Sorensen

Kenneth C. Sorensen, age 89, of Odebolt, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2015, at Unity Point Health, St. Luke’s Hospital of Sioux City, Iowa.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 11, 2015, at the Christensen – Van Houten Funeral Home of Odebolt, Iowa.  The Pastor Bill Crawford will officiate. Inurnment will be held at the Odebolt Cemetery of Odebolt, Iowa with military rites conducted by the Roose Post No. 313 of the American Legion. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 11, 2015 at the Christensen – Van Houten Funeral Home of Odebolt, Iowa. The Christensen ~ Van Houten Funeral Home of Odebolt, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online to www.christensenvanhouten.com 

Kenneth C. Sorensen was born on April 23, 1926, in Early, Iowa to Herman and Pearl (Miller) Sorensen.

Making his home on the farm with his parents and six brothers, Kenny attended rural country school in Early, Iowa.

Kenny enlisted for selective service at the age of 16 in 1942 and in 1943 at the age of 17, Kenny started active duty with the U.S. Navy. He was stationed on the USS California Battle Ship during WWII. Kenny traveled the world on the USS California during the war.  The ship came back to port on the East coast in the New Jersey area where Kenny met the love of his life Jackie Spence.

Kenny and Jackie were united into marriage on July 20, 1946 in Gloucester City, New Jersey.  Kenny had to return to sea and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1947.

After being discharged from the U.S. Navy, Kenny and Jackie moved to Odebolt, Iowa, where they made their home in town. Kenny and Jackie were blessed with a child, a son they named Scott.

Kenny was a gifted carpenter, but started working outside of the home in 1961 for IBP in Denison, Iowa. Kenny left IBP in the winter of 1968 and became employed with the Iowa Department of Transportation. After 23 years of service he retired in 1991.

Kenny was a faithful member of the Presbyterian church of Odebolt, Iowa. He was an active member of Roose Post No. 313 of the American Legion, a past city council member; member of the volunteer fire department for many years; Enjoyed tinkering around the house, gardening and yard work. Kenny enjoyed watching some sports. He will be remembered as a people person who would talk to anyone and was willing to lend a hand to others. This kind hearted, outgoing, family man will be missed dearly by his family and friends.

Kenny is survived by his son, Scott and his wife Jackie (Bengford) Sorensen of Sioux City, Iowa; grandson, Chase Sorensen of O’Neill, Nebraska; granddaughter, Samantha Sorensen of Sioux City, Iowa; brothers, Donald (Diane) Sorensen of Providence, Rode Island; Herman Sorensen, Jr. of Odebolt, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jackie Sorensen; parents, Herman and Pearl (Miller) Sorensen; brothers: Herbert, LeRoy, Murl, and Pat.