Calvin H. Sorensen

He graduated from Moroni High School in 1944. He was inducted in the United States Army on August 9, 1944 and served as infantryman in the unattached Company “C” and in the Company “F” 275th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division. He participated in the, “Battle of the Bulge” in the Saar Basin in Germany. It was there, during his 60 consecutive days in front line action, that he learned the true power and comfort of prayer. He was discharged July 1, 1946.

After the war, he attended Snow Junior College in Ephraim, Utah. It was there he met his sweetheart, Frances “Ramona” Jensen of Ephraim, Utah. They were married in the Manti Utah Temple on October 23, 1947.

Ramona supported Calvin as he worked towards his degree at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He graduated in 1950 with a Physical Education Major and a Mathematics Minor.

Some of Calvin’s brothers and sisters had moved to California, so he accepted his first teaching position in Reedley where he taught 2 years. He also taught in Visalia California for 4 years. In August 1956 they moved to Fresno, California where he took employment at Sequoia Jr. High School. His longest coaching position was at Roosevelt High School in Fresno, CA. During his career he coached: basketball, diving, gymnastics, rifle team, swimming, track, and water polo. He also earned his Master of Arts from Fresno State University.

In his spare time he loved to fish and would fish at Millerton and Pine Flat Lakes, the Kings River and others. He was an avid gardener and had a large fruit orchard. He took great joy in caring for, harvesting and preserving the bounty. Even at 89 years old, he was climbing the 16’ ladder to prune his trees. Music was his passion, he started playing the trumpet at 9 years old. He played in several bands one being the, “Dew Drop Dixieland Jazz Band” led by Kenneth Kennedy.

Calvin was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in many positions.

Calvin and Ramona raised five children: Peter Mikel of Fresno, Kirk Charles (Susan Matts) of Hanford, Rolf J (Pamela Kellos) of Centerville, Utah, Caleen Rae (Kevin) Beatty of Santa Clarita and Janine (Brent) Parsons of Hanford.

Calvin was the last surviving member of his family until his passing and he now is enjoying a joyous family reunion. His wife, Ramona passed away June 9, 1991. Calvin is survived by his second wife, Lorene (Littleworth) Vaillancour Sorensen.

The 5 children, 19 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren, express their heartfelt gratitude to Valley Christian Home of Hanford for their loving care for Calvin.

Burial services and interment will be Friday, September 25th at 10:00 at the Grangeville Cemetery in Armona, California.

Remembrances may be sent to Valley Christian Home, 511 E. Malone, Hanford, CA 93230.