Walter Robert Sorenson

Walter (Walt) R. Sorenson, 91, of Rhinelander passed away peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013 at Manor Care West in Green Bay after a lengthy illness. He was born on July 10, 1921 in Winchester, the son of Chris P. Sorenson and Martha Rudd. He attended Rhinelander High School. Walt served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a tech sergeant, Company 33 IRTC, and served during World War II in Australia and New Guinea. Walt married Delores (DeeDee) Pecore on Aug. 3, 1944. She preceded him in death on May 11, 1990. Following his time in the service, Walt was employed as an electrician, and then a maintenance planner for Rhinelander Paper Company until his retirement in 1983. Walt was an avid golfer and was a member of both the Eagle River Country Club, and Northwood Golf Club in Rhinelander. He had been known to tear up the course with his 9-iron, literally. He also enjoyed bowling and working around the house. Following his retirement, he would enjoy luncheons with his paper mill retirees group. Due to his ill health, in 2007 Walt moved down to Green Bay, and lived with his daughter and son-in-law, Georgeann and John Vanderheiden. Walt is survived by his two daughters and sons-in-law Georgeann and John Vanderheiden of Green Bay and Sandra and James Coppernoll of Appleton. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Mary (Gregory) Post of Green Bay, Kim (Michael) Rauwald of Troutman, N.C., Scott Vanderheiden of Genoa City, Paul (Allison) Johnson of South St. Paul, Minn. and Eric Johnson of Minneapolis. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

Proceeded in death by his parents, Chris P and Martha (Ruud) Sorenson, four brothers, Norm, Sigard, Clarence and Oscar Sorenson and his loving sister, Doris (Sorenson) Wilson.

Friends may call at Hildebrand-Russ Funeral Home in Rhinelander on Friday, Feb. 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a service to follow. Memorials in Walt's name may be given to the local Alzheimer's Association. To light a candle or leave an online condolence visit hildebrandfh.com.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the staff at Manor Care West for their care and compassion.