Helen J. Sorensen

Helen J. Sorensen, age 96, of Philip, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, September 11, 2019. at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.

Helen June Sorensen was born December 22, 1922 in Parker, South Dakota to Clinton G. and Cora Ellen (Bartels) Franklin. She grew up in the Parker area and graduated from Parker High School. As a young lady she moved to the Philip, South Dakota area then later moved to Denver, Colorado where she lived for some time before moving to California.

Helen was united in marriage to Morris Barton Sorensen on January 2, 1943 in Newcastle, Wyoming. They made their home on the Sorensen homestead located on North Fork Creek which was northwest of Philip. They owned and operated the ranch until retiring in 1984. 

In 1961 Helen began working for the Agriculture Stabilization Conservation Service in Philip and retired in 1984 as an office manager after 23 years of service. After retiring in 1984, Morris and Helen moved to Rapid City where they resided for two years because of Morris’s health. In 1986 they returned to Philip.

Helen was a founding member of the Community Evangelical Free Church of Philip.

Survivors include three daughters: Marlene Urban of Modesto, California, Linda (Kenneth) McIlravy of Philip, and Lee Ann Knutson (Rod) of Philip; 9 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild; and a host of other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Morris on August 29, 2000; her brother Ben Franklin; her son-in-law Bruce Urban; and her parents.

A memorial has been established. Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 222 Philip, South Dakota 57567. 

A visitation was held from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Friday, September 13, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.

A celebration of life service was held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 14, at the Community Evangelical Free Church in Philip with Pastor Chris Stewart and Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Private family interment was held at the Masonic Cemetery.

Arrangements are with the Rush Funeral Home of Philip.

The Pioneer Review

221 E. Oak Street
Philip, SD 57567
Telephone: (605) 859-2516
E Mail: ads@pioneer-review.com

Sign Up For Breaking News

Stay informed on our latest news!

Manage my subscriptions

Subscribe to Newsletter feed
Comment Here