Ross Arthur Sorensen was born on April 13, 1927, in Lead, South Dakota, to Einer and Alma (Ross) Sorensen. Ross graduated from Lead High School and at 18 served in the US Army where he was stationed at Adak Island, Alaska. On his return to Lead in 1945, he met the love of his life, Cheryle Krebs. They were united in marriage on August 30, 1953. Ross and Cheryle made their home in Deadwood, South Dakota and they had 6 children: Doug, Cherie, Jon, Jim, Jeff and Jay. Ross was an electrician for Sorensen Electric, Baumgarten Electric and Riviera Electric until his retirement in 1993. Ross was also an accomplished horseman and enjoyed chariot racing and was deeply involved in the “Days of 76”. He was also a Mason and volunteered as a Shriner.
In 1993, Ross and Cheryle retired to Rapid City, South Dakota. In retirement, he spent his time as a craftsman building furniture, garages, and extensive garden areas. Ross shared his many talents volunteering for Love, Inc., Canyon Lake Little League and Storybook Island.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of 72 years, Cheryle, his children, Doug (Karen) Sorensen of Rapid City, Cherie (Stan) Koch of Rapid City, Jim (Brenda) Sorensen of Rapid City, Jeff (Nancy) Sorensen of Muscatine, Iowa and Jay (Steph) Sorensen of Beatrice, Nebraska. Ross is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.
Ross was preceded in death by his parents, his son Jon and great grandson, Justice Wingate.