Louise Sorensen

Louise I. Sorensen, 91, of Minneapolis, formerly of Westby, died Saturday, December 21, 2013. Louise I. Sorensen Dec. 21, 2013. Age 91 St. Louis Park, MN. Born to Martin and Olga Knutson in Plentywood, MT. At age three, Louise moved to the Chippewa Bottoms area of Wisconsin, where the family farmed and resided in Rural Elk Mound. Louise attended the Dunn County Agricultural School (1941) and graduated from the University of Eau Claire, Rural department. She then taught in several Wisconsin elementary schools; Deronda, Eleva, Boyceville and Black River Falls. Louise married Clifford Sorensen at Springbrook Lutheran Church (July 28,1951). They shared the next 60 years together - with over 50 years spent in Westby, WI. Serving others was a important calling in Louises life. She continued her teaching career as an assistant for an additional 18 years in the Westby Elementary School. A person of deep faith, Louise was an active member of the Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday school and worked with the WALCW on many service projects. Louise also volunteered for the Salvation Army, and worked as a library aide for Bekkum Memorial Library. Louise enjoyed many quiet pastimes; gardening, knitting and card playing were among her favorites. "Grandma Lou" also relished writing stories and poetry for her grandchildren. Her love of writing continued as she recently published a Life Reflections Book chronicling her life and the many people and experiences important to her. Louise and Cliff moved to Eau Claire (2003), Minneapolis (2005) and resided at Roitenberg Assisted Living (2007-2013). Louise was preceded in death by her parents, two infant brothers, her sister Margaret, twin sister Lucy Whipple, husband Clifford Sorensen and grandson Matthew Ripp. She is survived by her three daughters; Marie Sorensen, Minnetonka, MN, Linda Kuno (Kurt), Edina, MN, Susan Ripp (Bryan), Plymouth, MN; grandchildren: Erika & Kelsey Kuno, Aaron & Nathan Ripp. She is survived by two sisters; Bernice Borton, Eau Claire, WI, and Lenora Wollum (Orv), Rock Falls, WI., brother Martin Knutson, Jr. (JoAnne), brother-in-law Jim Whipple, along with many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank all her caregivers at Roitenberg Assisted Living. Louise was a beloved daughter, spouse, mother and grandmother who will be dearly missed. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 27, 2013 at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in Coon Prairie Cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St, in Westby. Friends may also call on Friday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to the Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church and the Salvation Army. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.