Patricia Joan Sorenson

Known to all as Patti

March 20, 1935 – March 1, 2019

Loving Mother of Randy and Jo Lynn

Dear Mother-in-Law of Diana Sorenson

Cherished Sister of Dalleen Newman

Devoted Grandmother of Juli and Michael Schacher and Joni Sorenson

Beloved Sister-In-Law of Marcia Barnett and Sandra Freeman

Predeceased by Husband Arthur Verdel Sorenson

Patti is survived many nieces and nephews

Patti was born in Grand Junction, Colorado March 20th 1935. Her family moved to San Diego in 1940 as many others did, attracted by the jobs then available in aircraft manufacturing. Patti attended school in Linda Vista at Kit Carson Elementary School and graduated from Kearny High School in 1952.

Patti met Verdel, her future husband, at a gospel quartet singing held in San Diego. They eventually married March 28th, 1952. Verdel, who was in the Navy at the time, finished his tour of duty while serving in the Korean Conflict as a Radio Operator. In 1955 their son Randy was born. They moved to Shenandoah, Iowa, Verdel's hometown, in 1957. While there Verdel started The Melodymen, his first gospel quartet. The Melodymen became “live” talent for KMA, the popular radio station whose signal reached throughout the entire Midwest. While not in the KMA studios, The Melodymen hit the road, singing in cities, small towns and churches across the central states.

In 1957 Verdel was recruited to work for The Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in Iowa. Shortly thereafter, Patti and Verdel decided to return to San Diego, where he continued working in the insurance business until 1959. During that year their second child, Jo Lynn, was born. Also that year, Verdel entered the Plumbers Apprenticeship Program and began his lifelong career in the plumbing industry.

During 1963 Patti began her own career as Music Director for a new Christian school, under the leadership of Harris Lidstand at National City First Assembly of God church. She taught piano and was in charge of the Children's Choir and many other singing groups. Her major production during this time was the Children's Choir Singing Christmas Tree along with many special presentations during Easter, Thanksgiving and other holiday celebrations. She continued in this capacity until 1970.

In 1972, after successfully completing a rigorous training and state licensing program, Patti began a new career as an electrologist, building one of the most successful businesses of its kind. She eventually operated, managed and/or owned eight different prominent electrology locations in and around San Diego. She continued to thrive in her work until finally retiring at the end of 2018.

All during her life she was deeply involved in the music departments of each church she attended. She was an accomplished pianist and used her talents exclusively in service to the Lord. She attended Faith Chapel from 1973 until her passing, March 1st, 2019.

Funeral services were held March 25th, 2019. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to ChildHope, formerly known as Latin America Childcare, or the charity of your choice. To visit the obituary at Erickson-Anderson mortuary, google Erickson-Anderson, scroll down, and click on “Recent Obituaries.”