Agnes M. Sorenson, age 99, of Town of Somers, passed away on Friday November 18, 2011 at Wheaton Franciscan Hospice of Racine.
She was born on June 3, 1912 in the Town of Somers, a daughter of the late Willum C. and Ane Marie (Christensen) Pallesen.
She attended all eight grades in one-room schools, Washington Jr. High School and the new Kenosha High School. After one year at Racine-Kenosha Rural Normal School, she began her teaching career at Twin Oaks School in Brighton and Walker School in Bristol Townships. Changing careers, she spent a year at Trenary’s College of Commerce, and then worked as purchasing secretary at MacWhyte Co.
On November 20, 1937, she married George R. Sorenson. They built a home on the Sorenson farm where George farmed and also did carpentry and had a trucking business. Agnes kept the books as partner. They started a family, and enjoyed a warm and lively life filled with family, friends, work and music.
On June 5, 1945, tragedy struck. George was killed in a truck/train accident. Agnes bore up bravely, raising three children alone. She returned to her teaching career, first at Berryville, then Somers School. She was proud that she earned her BA Ed at Whitewater in 1966 after years of night and summer school.
After retiring in 1975, she continued learning, becoming fluent in Danish visiting Denmark often. During her summer breaks she traveled with friends to Alaska, the Rockies, Arizona, New Orleans, Canada, Israel and Europe. She was an active member of AAUW, Kenosha Retired Teachers, and Somers Community Church. She participated in a current affairs discussion group, an investment club and a book club into her nineties.
She is survived by daughter Sandra (Gene) Halmo, sons George R. (Terry), Somers, and Spencer (Ingelise) of Lyngby, Denmark; six grandchildren: Brenda Halmo Tudor, Elkhart, IN, Monica Halmo Gajdel, Deerfield, IL, Jill Sorenson Green, Wheaton, IL, Lynn Sorenson Widhalm, McHenry, IL , Hans A. Pedersen and George C. Sorenson, Lyngby, Denmark; six great-grandchildren and special friend, Karen McKenzie.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Albert C. and George P. Pallesen.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Wynwood Assisted Living and Wheaton Franciscan Hospice for their care and support.
A visitation will be held on Monday November 21, 2011 at the Somers Community Church from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be held at Oakwood Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to Bradford Alumni Association Scholarship Fund or Oakwood Cemetery.