February 27, 2013

Elmo Sorenson

Funeral service for Elmo Sorenson, 88, of Watford City, N.D., was at 11:00 a.m., Friday, Feb. 22, 2013, at the Keene First Lutheran Church in Keene, N.D., with Pastor Rob Favorite officiating. Interment was in the Keene First Lutheran Church Cemetery. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com.
Elmo Marvin Sorenson was born July 6, 1924 in Watford City, N.D., to Emil and Mabel (Botner) Sorenson. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church and graduated from Watford City High School in 1942 where he played basketball and football.
After graduation he went to work at a shipyard in California. He enlisted in the Navy in 1943 where he was in Aviation Ordinance. He boarded the USS Ship Intrepid, serving in the South Pacific. His ship accompanied the battleship USS Missouri, and sailed into Tokyo Bay for signing of the peace treaty. He was honorably discharged in 1946. Upon his return from the service, Elmo attended Dickinson State College where he met his ‘sweetie’ Ellinor Halverson.  They were married Jan. 17, 1948, in Watford City.
In the fall of 1949, Elmo and Austin Holo opened the Knotty Pine Bar in Arnegard. Upon selling the bar, he worked for REA surveying and helping to construct power lines bringing power to McKenzie County farms.
In the spring of 1953, Elmo and Ellinor moved to the Ernest Peterson farm north of Charlson along the Missouri River where he worked for Signal Oil & Gas along with farming and ranching. Elmo and Ellinor bought a farm near Greenbush, Minn., in 1964 and farmed both places until they sold the Minnesota farm. They then purchased Ellinors’ family farm near Keene where they continued to do what he loved to do, farm and ranch.
Elmo transferred to Keene First Lutheran where he served on church council.  He was instrumental in getting the Keene Dome built and served on the Township Board.
Elmo and Ellinor were partners in everything from dancing, to farming and ranching, to their love of high school wrestling. He loved cheering on his boys and grandsons, along with the rest of the team which all became family. They didn’t miss a state wrestling tournament for 40 years!
Elmo was a magnet for friends and family as everyone loved to stop by for a game of cards, cup of coffee and always a joke, tease or story.  He always has a big smile and words of encouragement for everyone. He loved fishing, hunting, golfing and enjoyed many fishing trips with friends.
Elmo and Ellinor enjoyed many trips, traveling to Canada, Mexico, Norway, England, Hawaii and various states in the United States.
After falling ill in January of 2010, he resided at the Good Shepherd Home in Watford City. Elmo was admitted to McKenzie County Hospital Jan. 31, 2013, where he spent his final days with his family by his side.
Elmo died on Monday evening, Feb. 18, 2013, at the McKenzie County Hospital in Watford City, N.D.
Elmo is survived by his loving wife, Ellinor; sons, Gary (Marti), Larry (Carla), Curtis (Jennifer); daughter, Julie (Bud) Bohmbach; 10 grandchildren, Lance, Jay, Eric, Paul, David, Jarvis, Erin, Jed, Clay and Gwen; and 21 great-grandchildren.  
Elmo was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Duane and Homer; and a sister, Gladys Hawkins.
 

WATFORD CITY WEATHER