Harlan E.J. Sorenson

Harlan Edmund J. Sorenson, 81, of Crystal Lake, Iowa, passed away June 2, 1998, at Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit at Mason City, Iowa.

Harlan, the son of Edmund and Emily (Mortensen) Sorenson, was born June 13, 1916, at the family home near Crystal Lake.  He graduated from Crystal Lake High School.  He was united in marriage with Jerry Sorenson on March 8, 1939.  The couple farmed for nine years west of Crystal Lake.  In 1947, they purchased the hardware store in Crystal Lake, which they both operated for 36 years.

Harlan was a member of the Crystal Lake United Methodist Church.  He was an active member of the City Council and Commerical Club for many years and helped support many community projects in Crystal Lake.  He had been a member of Forest City Country Club where he enjoyed golfing.

Harlan and Jerry looked forward to family gatherings and their grandchildren were the highlight of their later years.  They enjoyed their winters in Texas for 10 years where they made many friends.  Harlan loved the many fishing trips to Minnesota and Canada with Larry and David.

Harlan is survived by a daughter, Joan and her husband LaVern Buttjer of Cresco; son, Larry and his wife, Marianne Sorenson of Mason City; five grandchildren and families; Susan Wiger of Brainard, MN; David Sorenson of Spirit Lake; Brent Buttjer of Davenport; Kimberly Cleasby of Eagan, MN; Diana VanHol of Bettendorf; four great-grandchildren; three brothers, Russell, Morris, and Kenny; one sister, Lois Otis; four stepsisters: Doryce Hanna, Dorothy Brown, Paulette Dahl, Beth Bornum; step-mother, Mildred Sorenson; along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, one sister - Ruth, one brother Calvin, and one stepsister - Marvella.