Robert Leroy Sorensen

Carpenter, custom home builder and wood-worker, Robert “Bob” Sorensen’s love of life didn’t come to an end with his death. In the home he built over 30+ years ago Bob peacefully passed away on Sunday evening, December 13, 2020 at the age of 69 after he courageously battled with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for the past ~25 years. Surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.

Raised on a farm just South of Papillion, Nebraska, as the eldest of 7 and with a nack for breaking in or taming horses. He stopped at nothing less Thanatos quality job in everything he did. At a young age he loved attending horse shows and would be found having one of the fastest horses in pole or barrel racing.

Before MS advanced too far and challenged his walking abilities, if you did not finding him at the horse shows, he’d be on the dance floor doing the two step or line dancing. Known by many in the Country Kickers dance club, he was an active member for years and was an encouraged to all.

If asked what he was passionate about, he would always talk about his love of wood; anywhere from building custom homes, remodeling and renovation to any form of wood working imaginable. Later when he was unable to build or manage the construction from start to finish, others would put in their requests or challenge him to repair kitchen stools, cut out, design and paint wooden toys, a toy box, wooden trains, rocking horses of all sizes for kids, mantle clocks, a guitar like picking stick instrument and anything you could imagine one could make out of wood. Woodworking was his career, hobby and passion.

When MS began taking toll on Bob’s health, he didn’t give up, but pushed himself to exercise and physical conditioning. His doctor recommended he attend a special gym that catered to those battling with MS called MS Forward. There he was well known as “Grandpa” or “Grandpa Bob”. There his persistence to continue walking and keeping his body’s agility made an impression on all. He did aquatics, and worked out on the machines twice weekly. His encouraging smile and determination propelled those around him.

Preceded in death by father: Leroy Sorensen, Brother: Ricky, Sister: Ruth Klusaw.

Robert is survived by his wife of 30 years, Joyce. Mother: Joan Sorensen. Son: Dan (Erin) Sorensen. Daughter: Nicole Manning. Stepchildren: Barb (Randy) Daniels, Larry (Lori) Pickett, Alan Pickett. Sisters: Rita Rudolph, Rose Franklin. Brothers: Rex (Kathy) Sorensen, Ronnie (Linda) Sorensen. 10 Grandchildren, 3 Great-Grandchildren.

Private funeral arrangements are being handled by Kathleen-Dolce Mortuary in Papillon, NE. The funeral will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 17th at the funeral home. Latter in Spring 2021, a cremation burial will be at Springfield Cemetery in Springfield, NE. Details to follow when time comes closer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.