Ned Sorenson

Ned James Sorenson, beloved son, husband, dad and grandpa passed away on February 7th, 2026 at the age of 80. He was sent off and received in heaven surrounded by his family who adored him.

Ned was born on the 8th of August, 1945 just after the end of World War II. He was named after his father and an uncle who both proudly served their country.

Dad was raised in Herriman, Utah. He was the oldest child to Ned William Sorenson and Hazel June Butterfield. He had a wonderful childhood. It was here that he learned to hate school and love hard work. He took great delight in tormenting his younger siblings, Neil, Richard, Harold, Virginia and Nathan. He loved every minute of working at Grandpa Butterfield’s farm with the sheep and later for Lowell Hamilton, whom he loved dearly. But his life really began the moment he met Shirlene Garcia. It was love at first sight and he knew immediately that she was the only girl he would ever love.

Dad joined the second love of his life when he proudly enlisted in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He often said it was the best four years of his life and his posterity have enjoyed listening to him talk about his time on the aircraft carrier, USS Coral Sea CVA-43. It was a great delight to serve with his own brother Neil and Cousin Steve on the same ship. He was honorably discharged with the rank of E5 as an electricians mate and closed a beautiful chapter in his life to raise a family and be with his favorite person Shirlene.

While serving in the navy, Ned and Shirlene eloped and were married on July 17th, 1966 in Elko, Nevada. Mom said she always loved a man in uniform and she thought he looked “so hot”! It was important to her that he proudly wore that uniform when they were married. They were later sealed for eternity In The Salt Lake Temple.

Ned and Shirlene were blessed with four beautiful daughters Gayle, Sarah, Emilee and Heather as well as one handsome son David. Later he welcomed 3 amazing sons in law and two daughters in law. Dad was so proud to let the world know they were not in-laws, but his children as well. Dad loved hard and collected many stray and lost hearts in this world. He welcomed each one, instantly making room in his heart and made them feel as if they were right where they belonged. Soon 12 grandkids came along and his heart grew even bigger. Just when life couldn’t get any sweeter, the great grandkids started coming. Oh how he loved being a grandpa.

Dad worked for 36 years at Sufco coal mine, where he was known as nasty Ned, a nickname given to him by his own father who was known as Nice Ned at the same mine. After retirement, he and his sweetheart began serving in the Manti temple and served for 11 years side by side. Serving with his best friend brought him such joy.

Dad enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing but only if his best friend Shirlene was by his side. He was particularly fond on treating his kids to a great dinner at his beloved Denny’s where he would carefully browse the menu and then choose Chicken fried steak every time. He was a talented artist and his oil paintings are cherished in many homes. He loved decorating his home for the holidays and will forever be known as “Martha Stewart” to his family. He took great enjoyment in a tall cold glass of milk and an Idaho Spud candy bar.

Dad was a hard worker, loved to tinker and could fix literally anything. His family never went without anything. Of all the gifts and talents dad shared with us, his devotion to and love for his sweetheart is our favorite. There will never be a better example to follow on how to treat a spouse than the one we witnessed. Everything thing he did, every thought he had was for his Shirlene. He taught us all how a woman should be treated. He showed us where our priorities should always be.

Dad was received in heaven by his daughter Gayle, his parents, 2 brothers, other cherished family members and his precious Savior.

He leaves behind his sweetheart of 63 years Shirlene, his children Sarah (Rhett) Kimball, Emilee (Boyd) Hatch, Heather (Jaren) Anderson and David (Jessica) Sorenson and daughter in law Wende. He will be dearly missed by his grandkids, great grandkids and his best boy Cooper.

A special heartfelt thank you to Gunnison Valley Hospital Hospice and Dr. Adam Jensen who are literal angels on this earth. Thank you for helping us and especially dad in his darkest hours. We love you all.

Funeral services will be held on February 13th, 2026 at 11:00 am with a viewing beginning at 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the Centerfield Utah LDS church (230 South Main Street). Interment in the Centerfield City Cemetery. Online condolences at rasmussenmortuary.com

We love you dad. We are so happy you are free. We miss you so much and your absence is profoundly felt. God be with you til we meet again.

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