James Sorensen

James Keith Sorensen was born July 9, 1929 on the family farm in Lake Benton, MN. He was born to Carl and Sophie (Petersen) Sorensen. He was baptized and confirmed at the Lake Benton Methodist Church. Jim graduated from the Lake Benton High School in 1947. Jim worked on his dad's farm until 1951. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and did basic and advanced training at Camp Rucker, AL. He became a heavy infantry leader with the 81st motor squad. He served for two years, one of them in Korea in the fall of 1951 until the fall of 1952 when he was honorably discharged. He earned a Combat Infantry Badge, the Korean Service Medal with two bronze service stars and the UN service medal for his service. After his discharge he returned to Lake Benton and worked on the family farm and drove truck for Gaylord's Construction until 1955.

In 1955, he was married to Donna Petersen, daughter of Albert and Clara Petersen. They had two children, Diane and Bryan.

In 1955, Jim started working for Pan O Gold Bakery in Pipestone, MN. He worked there until they closed in 1970. He then started working at South Dakota State University. He did maintenance work in the college dorms for 20 years. He retired in 1990. Following retirement, he went back to work on the family farm. On the passing of his mother, he moved to the farm.

Jim loved the outdoors and all wildlife. He spent a lifetime hunting, fishing and trapping. He celebrated 50 consecutive years traveling to Lac La Ronge, Saskatchewan, to fish and bear hunt. He stayed at Shadd Lake Cabins and made lifelong friends in the community. He said it felt like they were his second home and family.

Jim was a member of the Methodist Church. He was a 50 year member of the Henry Sollie American Legion Post #10 and served with the Color Guard for many years. He was a member of Lincoln County Park Board. He enjoyed working with all the members, especially the Park Manager, Daryl Schlapkohl.

As a testament to his love of nature, Jim gifted the farm on his passing to Lincoln County to be preserved as parkland.

Jim passed away peacefully at the age of 96, at the Hendricks Nursing Home on February 12, 2026. He is remembered by his daughter, Diane (Bob) Low; granddaughter, Misty Schlegel; granddaughter, Alison Rasberry; grandson, Ryan Low; great-granddaughter, Elle Schlegel; great-grandson, Luke Schlegel; several nieces and nephews; and cousins, Ann Sorensen and Bill Sorensen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Sophie Sorensen; son, Bryan Sorensen; brother, Calvin Sorensen; and sister, Patricia Newell.

Thank you to Dr. McClusky, the nursing home staff and hospice for all the compassionate care he received while in their care.

A special thank you from the family to Kenny Nielsen of Lake Benton who dedicated so much time in ensuring Jim could remain on the farm for as long as his health would allow.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Hendricks Hospital Hospice.