Service Information
Larry L. Sorensen, husband of Barb, age 80, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, November 9, 2023, in Hutchinson.
Family and Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Friday, January 26, 2024, 11:00 A.M., at Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, with interment in Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held Thursday, January 25, 2024, from 5:00-8:00 P.M., at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson. Gathering will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorials preferred to the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter in Hutchinson, Minnesota.
Obituary
Larry Lee Sorensen was born on June 21, 1943, in Hutchinson, Minnesota. He was the son of Fred and Margaret (Lund) Sorensen. Larry was baptized as an infant in 1943 at Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, by Reverend N.B. Hansen, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth in 1957 at Faith Lutheran Church by Reverend Edward Hansen. He received his education in Hutchinson, and was a graduate of the Hutchinson High School Class of 1961. Larry furthered his education at the Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis, Minnesota with a degree in business.
Larry entered military service in the United States Air Force Reserves on April 4, 1963. He received an Honorable Discharge on October 3, 1963, and achieved the rank of Airman 3rd Class.
On September 30, 1967, Larry was united in marriage to Barbara Mattson at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. Larry and Barb made their home in Hutchinson, where they shared 56 years of marriage.
As a young man, Larry was an active member of the local Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in Hutchinson.
In 1970, Larry bought the Sorensen Family Farm Supply Store from his father, Fred. He owned and operated Sorensen Sales and Rental Inc until he passed away. Larry enjoyed traveling for both business and pleasure with his wife. In his later years, he just enjoyed operating his business. Larry was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson.
Larry had a love for animals and enjoyed being a “full time” volunteer at the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter in Hutchinson and holding a position on the Board of Directors, as well as being a member of the Animal Care and Volunteer Committees. He was always quick to jump in and lend a hand when help on materials was needed. Larry began volunteering for the HMAS when another concerned citizen and himself organized the first public interest meeting that took place at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson in 1999. His favorite part of volunteering was the satisfaction of finding the right home for an unwanted animal. It always seemed that the cats and dogs were very grateful for a good home. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and customers.
Larry passed away on Thursday, November 9, 2023, in Hutchinson, at the age of 80 years.
Blessed be his memory.
Larry is survived by his:
Wife, Barb Sorensen of Hutchinson, MN;
Sisters, Mary Ann Urban and her husband, Lynn,
Linda Sorensen of Hutchinson, MN;
Nieces, Julie Urban Christopherson and her husband, Johan,
Alexa Mattson;
Nephews, Jeff Urban and his wife, Susan,
Jon Urban and his wife, Carla,
Brett Mattson;
Sister-in-law, Sharon Mattson McCormick;
Many other relatives and friends.
Larry is preceded in death by his Parents, Fred and Margaret Sorensen; Parents-in-law, Lloyd and Norma Mattson; Brother-in-law, Curt Mattson.
Francis & Barb SvobodaSvoboda says
Sorry for your loss our prayers are with you.
Judy Sladek says
Oh my goodness Barb, I’m so sorry to hear this! You have my sincere sympathy.
Fern Hoff says
Barb, Gary and I send our sincere sympathy! May God comfort you.
Kim Johnson says
My thoughts and prayers are with you Barb. I’ll miss the friendship and the love for Highland cows that I shared with Larry over the years. Larry will be greatly missed !!!
Mary Berger says
Barb, my heart goes out to you and your family. Keeping you in our prayers.
Dave and Mary
Judy Anderson says
So sorry for your loss Barb. Prayers and condolences are sent.
Theresa Brandel says
Oh I loved Larry! Such a great person! My prayers and sympathies.
Carla Dummer says
So sorry for your loss, Larry was a wonderful person. He will be missed.
Vern and Anne Hahn says
Barb, Larry was a wonderful person and we will always miss him. He will always be remembered for all his work and contributions to the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter here in Hutchinson. He will never be forgotten.
Sharon, Brett and Alexa Mattson says
So very sorry Barb. The kids (Brett,Alexa) and I are sending our sympathies. Praying for you and yours.
Judith A Beatty says
Barb, I am so sad about your great loss! He will surely be missed!
Vicki Stuber says
So sorry for your loss, Barb. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lea Ette Peters says
Barb, I was saddened to hear the news about Larry. He was a good, friendly business man and loved by the community. He will be missed. I am glad that I got to visit with both of you at a recent visitation. May God give you strength to face each new day. Hugs, Lea Ette Peters
Rich Pohlmeier says
Barb our prayers are with you Larry was a great boss while I work for him. He’s going to be missed in the community Rich Pohlmeier
Babette Piker says
So shocked to see this and saddened to read, I always ran into Larry at the Post Office and he always said hello. My deepest condolences from mom and I we will miss him and his smile and seeing his German Shepherd in the red truck. God bless you at this time.
Judy Thul says
So sorry Barb for your loss. May he Rest In Peace!
Karen says
OMG…Barb I am soooo very sorry. I am really going to miss our conversations Barb. I am so very sorry. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you when you are ready. Prays for you and your family
Barb Otte says
So sorry for your loss. Larry touched many lives & huge supporter of HMAS. My sincerest sympathy. You are in our prayers.
Barb & Paul
Mitzi Shimanski says
Barb, I’m praying for you and your family!! Such a terrible loss. Larry was such a good friend!! He will be missed greatly!
Gail Thovson and Otto Templin says
Barb. Otto and I will always remember Larry for his willingness to help with needed equipment and also for giving Gail’s granddaughter her first job at the shelter introducing her to her path in veterinary science. We thought the world of him.
Wally and Marilyn Tewes says
Barb, Sorry for your loss,Wally and Marilyn Tewes
Bev Schulze says
So sorry for your loss Barb, thinking of you and sending you prayers
Jean Nisse says
Our deepest sympathy Barb. A loss to all who knew him. He will be missed. Jean and Chuck Nisse.
Allen and Ann Schramm says
We are so sorry for your loss Barb! What a wonderful, kind man Larry was to us. So many great memories from the store and business as well as seeing you both recently at the county fair this summer. You and Larry are Forever in our Hearts and Prayers! Allen and Ann
Megan Rogers says
Dear Linda, I’m so sorry for the loss of your brother. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Gustafson says
My prayers are with you Barb… Call me if you need to talk….
Willy & Renee Wendorff says
Barb,your in our thoughts and prayers
Tom Nielsen says
Sorry for your loss Barb.
Good 1961 classmate at Hutch high. Larry and I were friends throughout high school. Thanks to all our classmates, we held reunions as recently as this year and Larry was in attendance with Barb. He was a MR. Hutchinson and a dedicated businessman. He will not be forgotten.
Tom and Connie Nielsen
Germaine Block says
Barb, I was so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. You are in my prayers!
Kristin Briggs says
Barb,
I got to know you and Larry through a mutual friend many many years ago. I always thought so highly of both of you. I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending love, blessings and prayers your way.
Kristin Briggs
Peter Juu says
Larry was a kind and gentle person, My Mom and I greatly enjoyed knowing him.
Steve and Vonnie Schramm says
So very sorry for your loss Barb. Larry and I shared our love for animals. When calling on him he was always welcoming and smiling. He would stand by his desk so his kitty could sit in his chair. What a great guy!!! Steve and I will miss Larry as will the whole community. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dick White says
Barb, I am sorry to learn of Larry’s passing. Thinking of you today as I have just heard of this. Praying for you now as I know that God will help you through this sad time in your life. My deepest condolences.
Doris Lamprecht says
Truly saddened by the loss of Larry,i had many great conversations during his stops for bananas at Kwik Trip. I will miss his great story’s about the animals at the shelter and the ones on his lot on 7. My condolences to you Barb and the Families.
DOUGLAS ALLEN TUMAN says
BARB, OUR SINCERE SYMPATHIES, WE WILL MISS HIM VERY MUCH.
Monte Ness says
Barb,
So very sorry to hear that Larry passed on. I remember with great fondness those summer visits when you and Larry provided a young cousin time with both of you and in Sorensen Farm Supply. It was such fun being in Hutchinson and I learned much about business operations from a very patient and knowledgeable teacher. Take care of yourself as all of us mourn the loss of Larry.
Monte Ness
Glen &Donna Dovenmuehle says
So sorry for our losss
Mali says
Larry was so kind to me and my kids when we rented from him. My son looked up to him. I enjoyed talking with him and petting Max when I went in to pay my bill.
The last time I saw Larry, was at Cashwise and he reminded me that he believed in me, in his gentle way. This made me feel a lot stronger than I thought I could be and helped me to get through some health challenges I have had.
Becky Edwards says
Barb, MaryAnn, Linda-
We all were saddened to see that Larry has passed. Hugs to you all.
Maxine’s Family
Cindy and Jack Sandberg says
Dear Barb, We never met, but we surely liked Larry-always had a smile and a nice visit when we went to the store. He was very helpful when we needed additional storage when our daughter was deployed for nearly 2 years. We were shocked to read that he passed away-we just talked last month. I was also happy to know that there were other adults interested in helping our youth through all the 4H projects and sponsorships he did over the years. He was a good man! A real gentleman.
Deb Bach says
Sorry to hear of Larrys passing. I’m thinking & praying for you Barb at this difficult time.
marjorie hemmann says
Sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. Hugs and prayers for you at this difficult time.
Bradley Charles Oliver says
larry and I were friends from 3 third grade till this 1-9-2023 .I things we had to say & talk about ;(have a beer for me, HAVE SAFE TRIP).
YOUR BUDDY; BRAD OLIVER “FLOYD J ” SEE YOU LATER……
Tricia Sandoval (Ellis) says
Reading this sad news breaks our hearts, the hearts of the Emil Ellis family of Glencoe. Larry was so beloved by all of us. My late dad, Emil, had a tradition of always taking his grandkids to see Larry. The adults were not allowed to join, it was a special time for my dad to have with his friend Larry and grandkids. They would go out to eat, see the animals, and spend time in Larry’s store. Every year the grandkids would get their adored animal calendars. We tried to keep the tradition alive after my dad’s passing. Larry was a treasure. I’m so sad I haven’t seen him in awhile because I live in NYC. Barb – you have our deepest condolences. I know my dad was welcoming Larry with open arms in heaven. I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. xoxo
Morgan Ellis says
Dear Barb and family,
I am the daughter of Gary Ellis and granddaughter of Emil Ellis. I unfortunately was unable to make it to the services. But I used to come visit Larry when I was young with my grandpa, Emil. Visiting Larry at his store is such a core memory for me. It was a tradition for me to go visit Larry at his shop with my grandpa, then go out for breakfast. When I visited the store, Larry would always give me an animal calendar and we would talk about school and my sports and so on. I also remember always playing with the cats and German Shepherds in the shop. My favorite times included when he took us to see the other animals. I remember I got to meet a baby donkey and it was my favorite thing ever. Larry was such a great guy and I will forever cherish those memories in his store. My prayers and deepest love goes out to you and family.
Barbara Peterson says
Barbara
Sincere sympathies to you at this time. May your memories comfort you at this time.