Carl Edwin Sorenson, 86, of Hutchinson, Kansas, went to be with the Lord on October 24, 2026, while at the Hospice House in Hutchinson.

Born on July 13, 1940, in McPherson, Kansas, Carl was the son of Elmer and Joy Sorenson. He attended McPherson High School but graduated from Central High School in 1958, later graduated from Central College, and also attended McPherson College. In the fall of 1963, he entered the Air National Guard, and served for 6 years where he studied auto mechanices.  His life was marked by steady work, deep faith, and enduring devotion to his family. 

As a young man, Carl worked as a milkman for United Dairies in McPherson, the family business owned by his father and uncles. After the dairy closed, he began what would become a long career at NCRA, the oil refinery in McPherson, where he worked for 35 years before retiring in 2002. His working years reflected stability and commitment, qualities that remained evident throughout his life.

Faith was central to Carl’s life. He gladly testified that he gave his heart to the Lord at CYC camp at the age of 12, and, as he said, “it stuck.” He believed that decision shaped the course of his life and that Christ helped him throughout his journey. Carl was a longtime member of the McPherson Free Methodist Church before later joining Hutchinson First Church of the Nazarene. He enjoyed serving others by being a greeter, usher and encourager of many through prayer. He also opened his home for a Bible study for many years, forming lifelong friendships. He was truly a leader by example when he spoke of the trust he had in the Lord and the positive influence the Lord had on his life. During his cancer treatment, he made an impression on many of his healthcare providers due to his kind, soft-spoken demeanor. A few days before his death, when a physician asked if he knew where he was going, expecting him to answer “Hospice House,” Carl answered with confidence, “Heaven.”

Carl shared almost 62 years of marriage with his wife, Donna Beth (Easterling) Sorenson. Their family marked that milestone in 2024 with a celebration of their 60th wedding anniversary, during which they renewed their vows to each other. He was dearly loved by his wife and family, and the love he gave them was evident in the ways he spent his time with them. His daughters, and later his grandchildren, knew him as someone who would “get on the floor and play”. Activities included race tracks, remote control cars, helicopters, kites, bikes and his own special "flip".  That willingness to enter fully into the joy of childhood became one of the many treasured memories he leaves behind.Carl’s interests were many and distinctive. While serving in the Air National Guard, he excelled as a ping pong champion, a skill he maintained into his later years. He also enjoyed motorcycles, cars, camping, woodworking, diamond art, and entertaining his grandchildren. Even in his last weeks, he was often found working on Sudoku puzzles during infusion treatments. Carl and Donna also spent about 10 years wintering in Arizona. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Joy Sorenson.

Carl is survived by his wife, Donna Beth (Easterling) Sorenson; his two daughters, Sheryl (Thomas) Shults of Lake Ozark, Missouri, and Carla (Chris) Hall of Garden City, Missouri; five grandchildren, Megan (Tyler) Bolton of Silverton, Oregon, Thomas (Sara) Shults of Goldsboro, North Carolina, Stephen (Melissa) Hall of Medina, Ohio, Allison (Corbin) Bushey of Eugene, Oregon, and Anna Shults of Lake Ozark, Missouri, and her fiancé, Gabriele Cantrell of Scandicci, Italy; three great-grandchildren, Jocelyn and Westley Hall and soon-to-come Baby Bolton; his sister, Karen (David) Joy of Round Rock, Texas; and his brother, Dennis (Jennifer) Sorenson of Seal Beach, California.

Carl Edwin Sorenson will be remembered for a life rooted in faith, family, work, and simple joys. His testimony, his steady presence, and the memories he created with those around him remain a lasting part of his legacy.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 29, 2026 at Inspire Church, formerly First Church of the Nazarene at 4290 N. Monroe at 10:00 with a visitation prior to service from 9:00-10:00. The graveside service will be held at 1:30 at the McPherson City Cemetery.

Click here to view Carl's Celebration of Life Service. https://boxcast.tv/view/carl-sorenson-funeral-service-ps7chzrfuz2utbpr7zmo?

Memorials are suggested to Gideons International, Hutchinson, or Inspire Church (for the Senior Adult Ministries), in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.