Dorothy E. Sorensen

June 15, 1930 - June 21, 2026

Following a fulfilling and inspiring life, Dorothy Elizabeth (Thompson) Sorensen of Cedarburg, Wis, 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, 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, Wis. She influenced many students as a caring educator after earning her bachelor and master’s degrees in education from the University of Wisconsin-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 Second Ave., Grafton, Wis., on July 9 at 5 p.m. A visitation with the family will be held prior to the service beginning at 3:30 p.m. 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, Norwegian St Paul’s Old Lutheran Church, in Curtiss, Wis., 54422, or online to the Dorothy Sorensen memorial fund at the UW Extension Milwaukee County Urban Agriculture Program.