Stanley Sorenson passed on to his heavenly reward October 18, 2012 at the age of 107. He was born January 11, 1905 to John and Johanne (Ruud) Sorenson in Superior, WI. He was proud to be a member of the last graduating class of the Nelson Dewey High School in 1923. His honesty, loving kindness, and thoughtfulness enriched the lives of those around him. Stanley was very happily married to Marian (Smith) for 64 years 11 months before her passing. Their marriage was an example to all who knew them and they were loving parents and grandparents to their four children, spouses and grandchildren.

Stanley had been a very hard worker his whole life and had four careers: owning and operating the S.C. Sorenson Meats & Grocery Store; raising mink, chickens and operating a custom butchering service; City of Superior Sealer of Weights & Measures; and the manager of the Superior Municipal Employees Credit Union, retiring at the age of 84.

Stanley was a lifelong member of the Zoar Lutheran Brethren Church and served in every office the church had to offer throughout his lifetime. If they had a need, Stanley was there, including Church and Sunday School Treasurer, Sunday School Superintendent, Teacher and Worship Leader, Elder, and musician. Stanley was known for his beautiful tenor voice and his harmonica playing. In his later years he attended the Darrow Road Wesleyan Church and the church services sponsored by the Wesleyan Ministry outreach at the Middle River Health Center. He had all kinds of activities in his life, especially his church. Stanley attributed his longevity to the good Lord. You cannot beat that faith in God, "How sweet it is!"

He is survived by his four children, Mary Jo (Alroy) Mersnick of South Range, Myrna Sampson of Bloomington, MN, John (Alison) Sorenson of Superior, and Christine Sorenson of Falls Church, VA; 6 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Marian; parents, John and Johanne (Ruud) Sorenson; and sisters, Camilla O'Brien, Sigrund Lynch, Jeanette Sorenson, and Margaret O'Brien.

Stanley and his sisters all lived to be over 100 years old. Stanley was honored to be asked to be a participant in the Boston Medical Centenarian Studies, the largest centenarian study in the world. For his 107th birthday he had the enjoyment of being recognized by Willard Scott on the Today Show. He was described as "Manly Stanley Sorenson of South Range, Wisconsin."

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, October 25, 2012 at Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N. 19th Street, Superior, and will continue at 10 until the 11 a.m. service Friday, at Darrow Road Wesleyan Church, Superior. Reverend Mark Holmes, Jim McCusker, and Reverend David Thompson will officiate.

Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Superior.

Pallbearers will be Scott, Shane, Eric and Alan Mersnick, Steve Dorgan and Ron Hendrickson.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Middle River Health and Rehabilitation Center for the loving care Stanley received while he lived there.

Should friends desire, memorials in Stanley's name may be directed to the Salvation Army, Six Season Christian Riders, and Darrow Road Wesleyan Church.