Fred Jay Sorensen

Fred J. Sorensen, lifelong resident of Utah, Member of the LDS faith, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away in West Valley City, Utah at the age of 81 on March 24th, 2023.

He was born in Caliente, Nevada to Fredrick and Lorna Sorensen who preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Mildred Sorensen, and their children: Rodney (Shannon) Sorensen, Darlynn (Robert) Anderson, and Walter (Maren) Sorensen. He is also survived by his siblings, Freya (Don) Breinholt and Tonia Sorensen, seven grandchildren, Chieli (David) Dustin, Kierra Florez, Zander Sorensen, Levi Anderson, Aison Anderson, Kaius Sorensen, and Dasin Anderson, and great-grandchildren Cache Dustin and two expected great grand-children, who were the light of his life.

Fred graduated from Spanish Fork High School and worked a short time for the Forest Service. Fred was a Vietnam veteran and received a Purple Heart, National Defence Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal for his service. He worked as a civilian machinist for over 32+ years at Tooele Army Depot, first in the maintenance department before becoming a tool maker in the depot’s Pilot model a.k.a. "the toy shop," where they built new engineering projects. He was a skilled craftsman who made various things like, bolo ties, metal cups, lamps, a metal lighthouse, and working toy cannons out of metal. He attended Brigham Young University for electrical engineering where he was a member of the ROTC before switching to pursue a certificate in machining.

Fred had many interests and hobbies, including rockhounding, photography, machining, chemistry, gold and mineral prospecting, seeing classic cars, and visiting archeology sites. He loved wild animals and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and collecting military patches. He was also an avid fan of space exploration and enjoyed watching space stuff.

Fred was a member of several clubs during his life, including, the Utah Archaeology Society, the Wasatch Gem and Mineral Society, Spanish Fork rock club, Tooele rock club, Timpanogos rock club, and R.O.C.K club. These organizations were special to him as they allowed him to find treasures and learn about rocks and minerals, which he believed were gifts from God and Jesus.

Fred's favorite thought was, "laughter is the best medicine." He loved to tell jokes and make people smile, and his family and friends will always remember him for his contagious sense of humor. He also had a passion for Chinese and spicy food.

Fred's family traditions around birthdays included 4th of July fireworks, which he shared with his oldest son. He taught his children important life skills such as how to cut the lawn, grow a garden, work with tools, and a love for animals. He was a kind and generous man who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A viewing will be held April 7th from 10-10:45 am with funeral services following at 11am at the LDS ward building on 4251 S 4800 W, West Valley City, UT 84120. Interment will be at the Valley View Memorial Park 4400 West 4100 South, West Valley City, Utah 84120.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wasatch Gem Society or the R.O.C.K. Club

Wasatch Gem Society: www.wasatchgemsociety.com

The R.O.C.K. Club: rockhoundersock@yahoo.com

Fred will be remembered for his love of family, sense of humor, and his unwavering passion for exploring the natural world.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ValleyViewFuneral.com for the Sorensen family.