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John R. Sorensen

John R. Sorensen, 70, Woodstock, died Sunday, April 22, 2018.

He was born Dec. 29, 1947, in Woodstock to George and Geraldine Sorensen. John graduated from Woodstock High School in 1966 before he enlisted in the Army for three years. He was sent to Fort Belvoir, Virginia, for engineer school, and spent the next year at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.  John then served our country in Vietnam for 15 months.

Upon his return home, he devoted the rest of his life to helping fellow veterans. John was a charter member of AMVETS Post 269; a life member/past commander/past chaplain of American Legion Post 412; a life member and two-time commander of VFW Post 5040; a life member and past-president of the McHenry County Vietnow Chapter; and a life member of DAV. John also served as committee chairman of the Woodstock Memorial Day Parade, which he directed for eight years. American flags that decorate the Woodstock Square on patriotic holidays were initiated by him.

John worked for Eagle Foods for 31 years and Sam’s Club for 13 years. Civic engagements included being a board member and team manager for Little League for more than 10 years. John was also among 12 Woodstock residents that formed the Woodstock Baseball Association, which was responsible for building the Dream Field in City Park. He served this association by raising money for the project.

John married the love of his life, Gail (Bartram), May 12, 1972. He loved riding his Harley with his wife, trap shooting (as a member of the Woodstock and McHenry Sportsman Clubs), working on his home, and retirement with Gail.

Survivors include Gail, his wife of 46 years; their four children, Robert (Lisa) Sorensen, Chrissy (Bryan) Stotland, Karyn (Rob) Pourchot, and Toby (Becca) Sorensen; and five grandsons, Will, Justin, Charlie, Jake and Josh.  John was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation was April 26 at Grace Lutheran Church, Woodstock. The funeral was private.

Memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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