Solveig Christine Sorenson

Solveig was born April 3, 1920, on the family farm north of Hayward, MN, the second of four children born to  Pedar J. and Elsie E. (Lunde) Skaar. She died July 1, 2020 at the New Richland Care Center, New Richland, MN.

Solveig was baptized (May, 1920) and confirmed (1934) at the Hayward Lutheran Church. She attended Elementary country school in rural Hayward and High School in Albert Lea

On August 9, 1942, she and Warren Sorenson were married at Central Lutheran Church, rural Albert Lea.   Shortly after they were married, Warren left for Army Basic Training. Solveig decided to join in the World War II effort by working in a munitions factory in Winona, MN and later at Miller Hospital, St. Paul, MN.

Solveig was a member of Community Lutheran Church, Geneva, where she was active in the life of the church by serving on the Altar Guild, taught Sunday School, was a member of a Circle/Bible Study and sewed many quilt tops for the WELCA quilters. She was also an active member of  ARC (Association of Retarded Children), Albert Lea. In the mid 1950’s she represented Freeborn County ARC on an advisory panel, at the University of MN, which was seeking input from families who have children with Down Syndrome.

She was an excellent seamstress, always had a book at her bedside or on the coffee table, loved to tent camp, could name all the wild flowers and traveled to many states and countries. She mowed lawn and tended her flower and vegetable garden in to her mid 90’s. She lovingly cared for “all our creatures great and small”.

Survivors include her daughter, Gail (Butch) Ottesen, Delavan, MN; sons, Mark (Sharon) Sorenson of Geneva, MN, Scott (Jan) Sorenson of Libby, MT and Tim (Jolene) Sorenson, of Geneva; 6 grandchildren; Jill (Cam) Kehne, Laura (Jon) Ortiz, Brooke (Tim) Krohn, Dak (Lydia) Sorenson, Paige (Devin) Yost, Tyler (Paige) Sorenson; 9 great-grandchildren; Jake and Graciela Ortiz, Madalyn Kehne, Lainee and Laik Krohn , Jett, Winn and Bekk Sorenson , Mable Jo Yost; and one sister-in-law, Harriet Skaar of Hayward, MN.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Warren; daughter, Elaine; brother, Ashle Skaar and sisters, Elsie Fagerholm and Margaret VanLoo.

It is with great love and heavy hearts that we say farewell to our lovely and gracious Mom. Her devotion to our family taught us all great life lessons.

A grave side memorial service, for immediate family, will be held at the Geneva Cemetery, Geneva, MN, with Pastor Dr. Kristen Venne presiding.