"Dear Barbara & family, Thinking of you and thanking God for Phil's faithfulness in sharing the life giving message of the Gospel. Burfeind family Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Romans 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"
In loving memory of
J. Philip Sorensen
November 26, 1932 - December 3, 2019
Phil Sorensen was born November 26, 1932 in Council Bluffs, Iowa to James and Jennie (Sorensen) Sorensen. He passed away on December 3, 2019. Phil married Barbara Bolender on September 2, 1956 in Lima, Ohio. He graduated from Abraham Lincoln in Council Bluffs, Iowa and St. Paul Bible College in St. Paul, Minnesota. In his 60's he attended Denver Seminary, in Colorado. Phil was a member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance church from 1947.
Phil loved to read; it was his best pastime. He spent time fishing and hunting while he lived in Minnesota. Phil was a little shy when he first met you, but he was warm and gracious toward everyone. He was easy to talk to, warm and gentle. He kept people laughing in his later years by quipping, "I'm ornery as ever and to old to change!"
He loved being available to God to be an avenue of blessing to someone. Long hours in the church work and later the hospital were filled with joy and encouragement.
Phil was ordained by the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Glasgow, Montana and served in pastorates in Glasgow, Montana; Staples, Clarkfield, and Milaca, Minnesota; Mason City, Iowa and Omaha and Stratton, Nebraska. After 35 years of ministry, Phil earned his certification in Clinical Pastoral Education and served as Chaplain at St. Mary-Corwin Hospital for 13 years, retiring at 73.
Phil is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara; two children, Linda (Jim) Grupa and Jeff (Ruth) Sorensen; daughter-in-law, Amy Sorensen; brother, Richard Sorensen of Spencer, Iowa; grandchildren: Brian, Erin, Angela, Daniel, Beth, John, David, Rachel and Hannah, and 18 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Jennie Sorensen and son, Stephen 'Steve' Sorensen and daughter-in-law, Kristin Sorensen.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 6, 2019 at Church of the Nazarene in Winona, Minnesota, with the Rev. Randy Burg officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Please leave a memory of Philip and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com. Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Goodview, is assisting the family.
Memorials are encouraged and will be given to the missionary endeavors of the Christian and Mission Alliance (church) through it's Great Commission Fund. Checks should be made out to the "CM&A" with "GCF Fund" on the memo.
Tributes
"Grandpa Sorensen, I will always miss you. I can now cherish the memory of the tremendous hugs you've ever given me and your huge smiles that showed immense kindness and appreciation. I never once questioned my worth, my talent, or my purpose around you. I have so many wonderful memories to hang on to...one of my most memorized moment with you was when you took steve and me to the Minnesota zoo back in 1976...I remember being so tiny and afraid of the all those huge animals but you made me felt so safe in your arms. It didn't took long before I felt perfectly safe then you would have me ride on your shoulder to view all the animals there at the zoo enclosures...on top of you I believed I was a giant mighty and big. That very moment on top of you I saw these creatures to be seen no larger than insects all be because of you...you've made my experience at the Zoo a Special Experience. Thank you for the Gospel for being a great roel model and friend, until we meet again this is just a temporary goodbye. We are counting on it."
"Sincere condolences to your family. It?s reassuring knowing that we as believers will see our loved ones again! Hugs!???"
"I remember when I met Phil, I thought of him as the gentle giant! He was taller than us kids. I remember him being very quiet, but friendly! I loved being able to come over and spend time with Linda and see all of her family. Living so close and having Linda as my best friend, I felt like I was a part of the family. I will always remember him fondly. I know that he is in a better place and able to see my dad now! I believe my dad was waiting for him, to welcome him! I am so sorry I couldn?t be with you to celebrate his life. I am thinking about and praying for all of you!"
"Rest in peace Phil, was an honor to know you. Your neighbor Rich Belisle"
"So sorry for your loss Linda. You and your entire family will be in our thoughts and prayers. "
"My sympathy to the family of Pastor Sorensen. The few times I worked at a service with him left a deep respect within me for he and his wife. Such dear people through whom the Lord shined. Ranetta Lang"