Clifford Sorensen

Clifford F. Sorensen, 89, died on January 13, 2012. He was the son of John and Agnes Sorensen of Seaforth, Mn., born in Redwood Falls hospital on August 26th, 1922. Clifford attended Seaforth grade school (8 grades), and Wabasso High School, Wabasso, Mn., graduating in 1939. Clifford received the Rural - Upper Elementary Certicate at Mankato State, Mankato, Mn. in 1941and taught rural school for 2 years before entering the U.S. Army in February, 1943. Clifford served with the 20th Armored Division, 160th Armored Signal co. from 1943 -1946 as a radio operator and taught Reading in Germany. Upon discharge in February 1946, Clifford attended UW Stout, Menomie, Wi. where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1949. Clifford set-up an Industrial Arts shop and also started a band in Centuria, Wi. in 1950. On July 28th, 1951, Clifford married Louise Knutson at Springbrook Lutheran Church in Rural Elk Mound, Wi. In 1953, Clifford set-up an Industrial Arts shop in Westby, Wi. where he taught shop for over 30 years. He also taught General Math and Driver Training. He loved working with his students and will be remembered as a disciplinarian yet a a caring person. Clifford then received a Masters Degree in Counseling in 1967 from Winona State, Winona Mn. For 50 years, Clifford was an active member of the Westby Coon-Prairie Lutheran Church, an active member of the Westby Kiwanis Club serving as President one year and Treasurer for 11 years. Clifford retired from teaching in 1983. His hobbies were woodworking projects in his basement shop, and trout shing in Westby streams. During winter months, he liked to ice sh the backwaters of the Mississippi. Clifford and Louise moved to Eau Claire in June 2003 where they lived at the Meadows Otter Creek apartments. In 2005 Cliff and Louise moved to Minneapolis, rst living at Ridgepoint Senior Apartments followed by Roitenberg Assisted Living (2007-2012) Clifford is survived by his wife Louise and their three daughters; Marie Sorensen, Minnetonka, Mn., Linda Kuno (Kurt), Edina, Mn., and Susan Ripp (Bryan), Plymouth Mn. and Grandchildren: Erika Kuno, Kelsey Kuno of Edina, Mn., Aaron Ripp, Nathan Ripp, Plymouth, Mn. Clifford was preceded in death by his parents and Grandson, Matthew Ripp. He was a beloved son, husband, father and grandfather who will be greatly misssed. In leiu of owers, donations to Westby Coon Prairie Church and Westby Norse Fund would be appreciated. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church in Westby. Pastor Dennis Hallemeier will officiate with burial in Coon Prairie Cemetery. Friends may call on Monday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Main, in Westby. Friends may also call at the church on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 10. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.