Virgil Sorenson, 78, died on March 4, 2006 at his home near Plummer, MN.

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 7, 2006 " 2:00 PM at Salem Lutheran Church, rural Oklee, MN with Reverend Robert Paulson and Reverend Bob Dahlen, officiating. Burial will be in the Salem Lutheran Cemetery, rural Oklee, MN.

Visitation will be held on Monday, from 5:00 until 8:00 PM with a prayer service held at 7:00 PM at Johnson Funeral Service, Oklee and on Tuesday one hour prior to the service in the church.

Virgil was born on March 15, 1927 in Garnes Township, Red Lake County, the son of Harry and Agnes (Anderson) Sorenson. He was baptized on June 29, 1927 and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith at Salem Lutheran Church and attended country school in rural Plummer.

He entered the U.S. Army in September of 1950 and served for two years during the Korean Conflict in Japan and Korea. Virgil was honorably discharged in September of 1952. Following his discharge, Virgil went to work for a farmer in Greenbush, MN and then went to work for a farmer in rural Trail, MN.

Virgil was united in marriage to Marie Ruud on November 25, 1955. The couple celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2005. The couple lived in Gatzke and Brooks for a short time and in the fall of 1967 moved to the Sorenson Family Farm in Garnes Township, where they have continued to reside. Virgil was a dairy farmer for many years until 1997 when he sold the dairy cows and then raised beef cattle and chickens.

In the 1960s, Virgil cut and sold pulp wood. Through out the years Virgil cut and sold firewood to many people in the area. He and his son Marlan cut about 100 cords of wood each year. Virgil always had a lot of cats at the farm and loved being outside. He felt most at home at his farm and always enjoyed being in the woods. He was a very hard working man. Virgil enjoyed his grandkids when they came to visit at the farm.

Virgil enjoyed fishing with his kids when they were younger and was always great to sharpen a chain saw.

He is survived by his wife, Marie of Plummer; children, Avis (Bill) Kennel of Goodridge, MN, Virginia Berns of Oklee, MN and Marlan (Lisa) Sorenson of Plummer; grandchildren, Bryce Marquis, Benji Marquis, Jake Kennel, Jessica Kennel, Mcaulli Berns, Madison Berns, Makay Berns, Brenden Cassavan, Michaela Cassavan, Wyatt Cassavan, Phillip Sorenson; great grandchildren, Rudy Marquis, Sara Garcia, Lauren Garcia, Michelle Garcia; brother, Kermit Sorenson of Plummer; sisters, Janice (Earl) Melvie of Thief River Falls, Corlan (Bob) Kleinschmidt of Hutchinson, MN; sisters-in-law, Wavell Sorenson of Plummer, Cindi Ruud of Webster, SD and brother-in-law, Roger Ruud of Springfield, MN; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Lloyd; twin sons, Dennis and Delano in infancy, nephew, Jason Magnell; brothers-in-law, Charlie Magnell and Eugene Ruud.

Family condolences may be sent by visiting: www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

ORGANIST: Marian Marquis
SOLOIST: Donna Fossum
SELECTIONS: "Shall We Gather At The River" & "Here I Am Lord"
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: The Old Rugged Cross and How Great Thou Art
CASKETBEARERS: Tom Willett, Ray Rosten, Steve Rosten, Dennis Linder, Orrin Linder, Karl Sorenson
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: All of Virgils Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren