RICHARD E. SORENSEN, 74

(veteran)

Richard E. Sorensen, 74, of Tekamah, died Monday, May 20, 2002 at the Tekamah Health and Rehab Center in Tekamah. Memorial services were Friday, May 24 at the Craig United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Robert E. Call officiating. Military rites were provided by American Legion Posts No. 127 and 46, and V.F.W. Post No. 5543.

Richard Edward Sorensen was born Dec. 24, 1927 in Decatur County, Iowa, to Nels and Dorothy (Quick) Sorensen. As a child, his family moved to Kennard. He received his education at the country schools near Kennard and graduated from Kennard High School. He attended Dana College for one year.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army on Nov. 27, 1946, and was honorably discharged on Nov. 19, 1948.

On Dec. 2, 1951, he married Norma Jean Munch in Omaha. The couple lived most of their lives in Omaha, where he was employed in the steel industry, working for Northwestern Steel and Omaha Steel Company. In 1991, the couple moved to Craig.

Mr. Sorensen served as a trustee on the Craig Village Board. He joined the United Methodist Church in Craig on March 27, 1994.

He was a loving father and grandfather, an exceptional gardener, and loved taking care of his lawn. His family and friends will miss his sense of humor and his friendly smile.

Survivors include his wife, Norma of Craig; two sons and daughters-in-law, Richard P. and Mary Lou Sorensen, and Edward L. and Lexey Sorensen, all of Omaha; three daughters and a son-in-law, Kathy M. Sautter of Omaha; Caroline A. and Steven Walker of Lincoln; and Rose M. Jacobson of Craig; sister and brother-in-law, Alberta and Bob Allen of Oskaloosa, Iowa; 11 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two infant children, Peter and Colleen.

Memorials are suggested to the Craig Rescue Squad and Craig United Methodist Church.

Hamel-Peck-Pelan Funeral Home in Tekamah was in charge of arrangements.