Eugene Elias Sorenson

Gene Sorenson was born on February 6, 1929 in Arlington, South Dakota to his parents Christian Elias and Agnes Sorenson. His early life was spent on a farm in Floodwood, Minnesota until Elias followed his brother, Sam and moved to Oregon. The family lived in various homes in the Hubbard, Woodburn, Gladstone, Oregon City, and Jennings Lodge areas.

Gene attended Oregon City High School, graduating a year early in 1947. In the fall of 1947, he moved to North Bend and began studies at Oregon State University, but after seeing a help-wanted poster, he began working for Weyerhaeuser doing survey work in January 1948. In the fall of 1948 he decided to take a job in North Bend with Southern Pacific Railroad, beginning a lifelong clerical career from which he retired in the fall of 1988.

Gene would tell the story that while in high school in 1946, his friend invited him to be in the choir at his church in Jennings Lodge. Dorothy Stanley was also in that choir. That summer the two boys invited Dorothy and another girl on a double date to the Beaver Baseball game, and things progressed from there. They dated a few times until he left for North Bend in 1947. They exchanged Christmas cards and a few letters in 1948. Gene tells that the romantic sparks began flying on May 9, 1949, when he drove from North Bend to Jennings Lodge to take Dorothy out. From then on, he made a trip from North Bend to Jennings Lodge most every weekend. About a month later, as he pulled into the driveway, he saw Dorothy on her front porch and thought to himself, “I’m going to marry that girl.” And they did just that on August 14, 1949. That marriage endured for nearly 75 years.

From 1950 to 2023, Gene and Dorothy lived in two residences in Milwaukie, Oregon. They raised five children: Diana, Ken, Larry, David, and Lois in the first home on Boyd Street, and in December 1981 moved to 44th Avenue. Gene is well known in the 44th Avenue neighborhood, visiting with neighbors on his daily walks, and inspecting everyone’s property. In early 2023, Gene’s health rapidly declined with multiple strokes and he needed professional care. In April, Gene and Dorothy moved to The Good Life Family Adult Home in Vancouver, Washington where Gene passed away on June 27, 2024 at 95 years old, just short of his 75th wedding anniversary.

Gene loved taking long walks, was fond of animals, and was quick to help friends and neighbors. Gene and the Dorothy are the last surviving siblings in their families. Their son Ken preceded Gene in death in 2008. Dorothy, and children Diana, Larry, David, and Lois and their spouses Neil, Laurie, Kwang Chi, and Kevin survive Gene, as well as nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

It was common for Gene to engage with grandchildren by taking trips to the park, walks, and playing catch. He enjoyed the simple things in life, like gardening, baseball, and having time for people.

Let’s not forget Gene’s attention to detail. God gave him the gift of record keeping and he was the family historian. He kept copious records of everything imaginable, as well as a daily journal. If anyone forgot a date or specific details of an event, Gene would go to his trusty journal to set us straight.

Gene prioritized family and friends who lived across the country. Gene and Dorothy became experts at road trips. Their love for God, family, and country was a great example of how to live. Their devotion to each other is a family legacy that has taught us all the art of love, patience, forgiveness, and acceptance.

Gene enjoyed working in the yard and in his woodshop. If you knew Gene, you would receive a homemade gift marking names, birthdays, and anniversaries. He would always offer you a raspberry start so you could grow your very own raspberries in your very own yard. And when you entered his home, you would always be greeted with a huge smile and hug.

Gene and Dorothy attended GracePointe Baptist Church in Milwaukie where they served as greeters for many years. Gene took the maintenance of the shrubs around the parking lot as his personal commitment and was saddened when his body insisted he give it up.

Belief in Jesus as his savior guaranteed Gene a place in heaven. Praise be to God, he no longer suffers from anxiety, pain or worldly issues. Instead, he is living forever in paradise.

A Celebration of Life will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at GracePoint Church, Milwaukie, Oregon. Private interment to be held at Mountain View Cemetery, Oregon City, Oregon.