Elizabeth May Sorensen

Elizabeth May Sorensen, age 79 of Minocqua, WI died on Sunday, April 24th at her residence on Blue Lake with her daughters by her side. Elizabeth, as she was known by her siblings, was the 4th of six children and the oldest girl. She lived in Webster Groves, Mo and until 3 years ago continued to attend all of her high school reunions. She was active in scouting growing up and worked her summers at a resort out of the city. She married Robert Sorensen on July 23, 1962. The two of them worked many businesses including a card shop and owning Guard Mfg. Liz had 2 daughters, Susan and Kathy, and showed both of them how to be strong independent women and instilled in them the love of sport.

Liz led a life overflowing with activity and enthusiasm. While in Saint Louis she participated in numerous volleyball leagues and was active in the Saint Louis Orienteering Club. Orienteering took her around the country and ultimately to Scandinavia to compete internationally. Her summers in Minocqua found her golfing and playing softball. At one time she played on the same team as both Susan and Kathy. Once making Minocqua her full time home in 1983, she continued her active life style and added coaching to her list of passions. She coached volleyball at Lakeland Union High School for over 15 years. This included a number of years as a volunteer, simply because she loved the game and the athletes. She also coached softball and gymnastics. When not on a court or field, Liz loved her games. Scrabble with the Blue Lake girls, boggle challenges with her grandkids, poker days/nights with her friends, crazy card marathons with the whole family, and the occasional trip to the casino.

Liz was a strong woman of faith and was active at her church, Faith Evangelical Free. She was a reader/listener for Awana and supported different missionaries. She also took two trips to help rebuild New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Her passion for volunteer work and helping others was evident with the numerous hours spent with residents in care facilities in both Rhinelander and Minocqua.

She had amazing strength and resilience battling numerous cancers and other health issues. She shared that strength with each of her grandchildren and encouraged each and every one of them to pursue their own dreams.

Blue Lake was the heart of where Liz lived and experienced life. From the time she spent at Blue Lake Resort to the purchase of her home in 1974 to making it her forever home in 1983. She fished, kayaked, paddleboated, pontooned, floated, and simply enjoyed Blue Lake. It was where she wanted to take her final breath.

Liz is survived by her Daughters: Susan (Greg) Mehlert and Kathy (Chip) Schank and by her Grandchildren: Jeffery Mehlert, Jeffrey “Ryan” Schank, Kimberly Mehlert, Adam Schank and Sarah Schank and by her Sister; Nelle Zuroweste and Brother; Albert (Niki) Smith and by numerous nieces, nephews, Grand Nieces and Nephews and all those who knew her as “Ma” and Granny Liz.

She was preceded in death by her Husband, Robert and Parents; Gordon (Gladys) Smith and by her Brothers; Robert, Harold and James.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 29th from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Nimsgern Funeral Home Chapel in Woodruff, WI and Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 30th at 11:00 AM at Faith Evangelical Free Church in Woodruff, WI with a visitation from 10:00 AM till time of Service. Burial will follow services at Minocqua Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Season of Life Hospice House, Box 770, Woodruff, WI, 54568 or Faith Evangelical Free Church Youth Mission Trip, 9035 Blumenstein Rd, Woodruff, WI 54568 or American Cancer Society Northern Wisconsin Region.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com

NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.