Following a fulfilling and inspiring life, Dorothy Elizabeth (Thompson) Sorensen of Cedarburg, WI died peacefully on June 21, 2026. Dorothy (Dottie) was born on a dairy farm on June 15, 1930 to Arthur and Alma Thompson. Dorothy's husband Gordon and sister Mildred preceded Dorothy in death.
Dorothy is survived by children; Heidi (Don) Nelson, N. Peter (Mary Jo) and Mark; and her granddaughters Laura Nelson (Greg) Furdek and Sarah Nelson (Dan) Goeckermann; and four great grandchildren; Jack and Annika Furdek, and Jay and Ross Goeckermann. Dorothy's loving family was the light of her life.
Dorothy, with her husband Gordon, served United Methodist Churches in Richmond, Lowell/Juneau, Beloit, Appleton, Beaver Dam, Wausau, and Elm Grove, Wisconsin. She influenced many students as a caring educator after her Bachelor and Master's degrees in education from UW-Stevens Point. A true lifelong learner she traveled to 20 countries.
A celebration of life will be held at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 1621 2nd Ave., Grafton, WI on July 9 at 5:00 PM. A visitation with the family will be held prior to the service beginning at 3:30 PM. The service can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/@pilgrimuccgraftonwi346. Following Dorothy's wishes, her body has been donated to the Medical College of Wisconsin in support of medical education and research. In lieu of flowers or memorial gifts the family suggests donations to historic restoration at her childhood church in Curtiss, WI, 54422 St Paul's Old Norwegian Lutheran Church or online to the Dorothy Sorensen Memorial Fund at the UW Extension Milwaukee County Urban Agriculture Program (Dorothy.Sorensen.my.canva.site).
