Raymond W. Sorensen, age 97, passed away on Thursday, November 15, 2012 at the Avera Flandreau Medical Center. Ray, as most people called him, was born on March 29, 1915, in Grovena Township, Moody County, South Dakota, the son of Henry and Jesse (Randersen) Sorensen. He attended and graduated from Juve Country School and continued his education at Flandreau High School. In the late 1930's, Ray worked with the Civilian Conservation Corp, helping to build roads and dams in the Black Hills. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in the South Pacific as a supply sergeant with the 147th Field Artillery during World War II. In 1945, he was honorably discharged from the service and returned to Flandreau. Ray was united in marriage to Edith Wilkins Stephenson on December 31, 1945, in Pipestone, MN. They farmed northwest of Flandreau for one year and then lived and farmed the Siep farm southeast of Flandreau until purchasing the Carlson farm in Alliance Township in 1957. In 1977 Ray and Edie semi-retired and moved into Flandreau. Ray continued to farm with his son, Larry, until the late 1980's; however, he may not have helped physically, but was always very interested in the progress of the crops. He served as Treasurer for Thompson Country School for many years and helped with the consolidation process, served as an Alliance Township Trustee, was a 4-H leader and enjoyed helping his children with their 4-H projects, going on trail rides, horse shows, and cards and more cards. He was a member of the 2nd Presbyterian Church in Flandreau, serving on the Board of Trustees. Ray and Edie moved into Edgewood Vista Assisted Living in February of 2009. Edie preceded him in death on May 1, 2011.

Ray is survived by his four children: Lynn and Linda of Alton, IA, Judith Wilson of Lexington, TN, Rod and Karen of Sac City, IA, and Larry and Gina of Flandreau; eight grandchildren: Stacey (Lee) Mize, B.J. Wilson, Stephannie (Brian) Williams, Michael Sorensen, Aaron (Erin Aalfs) Sorensen, Sara, Shane, and Seth Sorensen; six great grandchildren: Raven Wilson, Kaelyn Parish, Ethan Sorensen, Megan Mize, Tatum Sorensen and Rayanna Williams and sister, Iva Erickson of Flandreau. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edie of 65 years; granddaughter, Shelly Miller; parents; brother, Donald; and sister, Edith Rosheim.

Funeral services will be Monday, November 19, 2012 at 2:00 pm at Second Presbyterian Church, Flandreau with burial in Union Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 4:00-6:00 pm at Skroch Funeral Chapel.