Dean Arthur Sorenson
January 20, 1953- July 16, 2025
Dean A Sorenson; 72, Spearfish, SD passed away on July 16, 2025, in his home surrounded with his wife, children and grandchildren by his side after years of fighting cancer in a way only a Warrior could.
Dean was born in Rapid City, SD to Arthur and Hazel (Simons) Sorenson. He loved growing up “out in the country” in White Owl, SD where he made many life-long friends. He went to high school and graduated from Faith High School. Dean met Nancy, the love of his life in Maple Lake, MN. They were married in May of 1974, celebrating their 51st wedding anniversary in 2025. Dean and Nancy had two beautiful daughters: Tina Sorenson (Rapid City) and Tanya Nagel (Spearfish). He always called them his TNT. He had the patience of a saint; he was the one brave enough to teach 2 teenage girls how to drive. He was a devoted husband, proud father, adoring grandfather, and loyal friend
Dean said that being a grandparent was the best thing that ever happened. He has 3 wonderful grandchildren: Jordan Stevens, Rapid City (Tina Sorenson), Kailey and Breahna Piekkola, Spearfish, SD (Tanya Nagel). He enjoyed attending every event and celebration there was for his grandchildren with Nancy by his side.
Dean dedicated 38 years to Neiman Sawmill (formerly Pope & Talbot), as a skilled Saw Filer. Dean was dedicated, a hard-worker, and often mentor to his colleagues and friends at work. He enjoyed spending his summers at the lake with his family, relatives and many friends. He loved fishing, tubing and waterskiing, sharing this love of waterskiing by teaching all 3 girls how to slalom. He could always be found around the campfire at night sharing stories and laughter.
Dean always had a love of cars, from his Challenger to his Model A. He loved to attend the races in Rapid City, sharing this love with his friends and family. He was an avid Vikings fan; many years saying, well there is always next year. Later in life he enjoyed watching Nascar races and even getting to attend one in person.
Dean is our Warrior, fighting with all his might until the very end. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife, children, grandchildren, relatives and many friends.
Nancy and family extend a special thank you to Stillwater Hospice for their loving and kind support and care that they provided to Dean and family over the last 3 weeks of Dean’s life.
Nancy and family would like to invite you to Dean’s Celebration of Life Open House; Friday, July 25, 2025, from 11:30am-1:30pm at the VFW in Spearfish. Lunch will be served.