Betty Sorenson

Betty Sorenson, age 85, of Decorah, Iowa, died on Tuesday, June 15, 2010, at the Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse, WI. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, June 18, 2010, at the Hesper Lutheran Church, with Rev. Matt Larson presiding. Burial will be in the Hesper Public Cemetery in Hesper, Iowa. The family will greet friends following the memorial service. The Schluter – Balik Funeral Home in Decorah is in charge of arrangements. Betty Josephine (Bakalar) Sorenson was born in Hocking, IA on February 26, 1925, to John and Jenny (VanWardhausen) Bakalar. After attending school she worked at various jobs including waitressing at the Central Park Café in Pella, IA. While working there she met Raymond Sorenson, and on January 15, 1949 they were married. Betty was Baptized at St. John's Lutheran Church in Newhall, IA on April 4, 1950. During the early years of their marriage Ray & Betty traveled throughout Iowa while Ray worked for the Iowa Bridge Company. In 1953 they settled in Decorah where Ray worked for various construction companies, and then in maintenance at the Cliff House. Betty began working at DECO Products, where she remained for over 30 years. She enjoyed riding her moped, cooking, visiting with her DECO co-workers, whom she regarded as family, spending time outdoors, and ice cream. Above all, she deeply loved and enjoyed her children and grandchildren. Betty was a member of the Hesper Lutheran Church in Hesper, Iowa. Betty is survived by her four children: Linda (Marvin) Folstad, Decorah, IA; June Wood, Altoona, IA; Wayne (Tina) Sorenson, Sumner, IA and Diane (Derek) Day, Ionia, IA. Eight grandchildren: Cory Folstad, Tanya Towne, Julie (Greg) Schmaderer, Mike Wood, Brian Wood, Dan Sorenson, Josh (Jillian Hagen) Sorenson - Hagen, and Alex Potratz. Seven great grandchildren: Alexis Folstad, Abby & Ashton Towne, Isaac, Simon & Esme Wood and Jack Hagen. One sister: Margaret (Pete) Cordano, Oakland, CA, along with numerous extended family members. Betty was preceded in death by her parents: John and Jenny (VanWardhausen) Bakalar. Her husband: Raymond Sorenson on November 22, 2007. Two sisters-in-law: Ethel Vick and Clara Tonne. Seven brothers-in-law: Oscar, John, Walter, Vernon, Sylvester, Ervin and Melvin Sorenson.