Sidney G. “Sid” Sorensen , 79, of Sun City, Huntley, passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, on Friday, September 16, 2016, following a lengthy illness.
He was born June 8,1937, in Withee, Wisconsin, the son of Sigurd and Esther(Johnson) Sorensen. Raised and educated in Withee, he served in the United States Army, spending a tour of duty in France during the late 1950’s. He later obtained a Master's Degree in Education from Wisconsin State University, Eau Claire. Advanced studies were taken at Northwestern University, Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Oregon and Northern Illinois University. His teaching career spanned many years: John Muir Jr. High School (Wausau, WI), Cary-Grove High School, 1964-1978, and Crystal Lake South High School, 1978-1996. He also taught part time at McHenry County College and after retirement tutored students in mathematics. Sid coached wrestling and varsity golf at both schools, earning the IHSA State Championship, 1980, and an individual State Champion, Pete Leveille (1981). In May of 1995 he was inducted into the Illinois High School Golf Association Hall of Fame.
Sid was united in marriage to Donna Herington on August 19, 1967. They made their home in Crystal Lake, IL, where they raised their two children: daughter, Kimberly (Scott) Kolar of Lake in The Hills, and son, Erik (Maria Lefkow) Sorensen of Chicago. He was “Bop”, Papa, to 5 grandchildren: Bailey and Parker Cox, Luke, Brandon and Sydney Sorensen. They moved to Sun City, Huntley, in 2007. He was an active member of St. Barnabas Lutheran Church in Cary, IL, and Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church in Huntley. Throughout his life he served in many capacities: National Education Association, organized servant trips to The Northern Illinois Food Bank, drove for Golden Diners, a Salvation Army Bell Ringer, Relay for Life participant, and on many church committees. He especially enjoyed many family celebrations, playing golf and cards, camping, traveling, and receiving visitors. His passion and happiest moments were during these times.
He is survived by his wife, Donna of Huntley, his daughter and son, grandchildren, his sister, Shirley (Sorensen) Willis of Puyallup, Washington, sister-in-law Diane (Ray) Johnson, his brother-in-law, Larry (Diane) Herington, his nieces and nephews, Rick (Terri) Nygren, Nancy Nygren, Teri (Gregg) Kenyon, Amy (Kevin) Franks, Tim (Anne) Johnson, Kari (Mike) Johnson, Tina (Bill) Flink, Lara (Luke) Johnson and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial gathering will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 23, at the DeFiore-Jorgensen Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. Visitation will also occur on Saturday, September 24th, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the 11:00 a.m. Celebration of Life Memorial Service at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, 10805 Main Street, Huntley. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, St. Barnabas Lutheran Church 890l S. Cary-Algonguin Rd., Cary, or the Northern Illinois Food Bank, Geneva, Illinois. Inurnment will be in Windridge Cemetery, Cary. For more information please call 847-515-8772 or online condolences can be directed to www.defiorejorgensen.com
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Donna and family, please accept our condolences. Sid was such a great guy; always had a great smile no matter what the circumstance. He truly will be missed by many.
Donna, we are so sorry for your loss. We both thought the world of Sid...love and prayers to you and your family. (I am sorry we will not make the services.) Pat and Patti
Sid was a friend and mentor to many I feel fortunate to have known and to have learned from him. He was a true gentleman and a truly GENTLE man. Vicky Roberts (Crystal Lake South/Prairie Ridge English Instructor)
Sid was much loved and respected at Northern Illinois Food Bank for his dedication to regularly bringing a group of willing volunteers from the church to volunteer at our West Suburban Center in Geneva. Last February he shared a testimony of how he linked his faith to his service at the Food Bank that was heartfelt and inspiring and truly Sid. He will be missed and our condolences go to Donna and his family as well as his fellow volunteers from Shepherd of the Prairie.
Donna, Erik and Kim and family, Please accept our condolences. Sid was a wonderful man, father, friend and mentor. I feel fortunate that I was able to grow up knowing him. He was one of my "neighborhood" dad's. I have many great memories that I will cherish forever. He will be missed by not only me and my family but by many others. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love , Christi and Jason
Donna and Family; So sorry for the passing of Sid. He was always there with a smile and a handshake. One of the nicest people I have ever met. He will be missed. I am sorry I won't be able to make it to the choral tribute. Sincerely, Roger
I was fortunate to have had "Mr. Sorensen" for Geometry in 1967 at Cary-Grove High School. He was patient, kind and fair. I appreciated all he did for me back then. In recent years, I walked with Sid in the Relay for Life Events held at Crystal Lake South High School. He was truly a wonderful human being and will be missed by many who were blessed to know him. My deepest sympathy to the Sorensen Family.
Donna,Kim,Erik and Family, From the moment we met Sid and all of you were gracious and kind to us as a young family. and a Super Example of being over the top neighborly. prayers to all. xo