Larry Sorenson

Larry G. "Poppa Smurf" Sorenson, age 61 of West Union died unexpectedly Thursday, August 30, 2012 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident near Foley, Minnesota.

Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 5 at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre, with Rev. Andrew Marthaler officiating. Interment will be in St. Alexius Cemetery in West Union.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre.

Larry Gene Sorenson was born May 15, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois to Norm and Irene (Mullins) Sorenson. Larry graduated from Mounds View High School and then worked for Pennzoil for 20 years. He was married to Carol LaRock and had two sons, Michael and Corey. Larry and Carol later divorced. Larry then worked for Como Lube Supplies and resided in West Union, Minnesota. On September 23, 1993 he married Karole Macey in Las Vegas, Nevada. The couple had a daughter, Brianna. While Larry was private by nature, he was known for his strong and competitive spirit. He was an avid bowler and member of the United States Bowling Congress. He also enjoyed golf, softball, playing Texas Hold 'em, washing the car, riding motorcycle, mowing the lawn, watching sports and the game show network, and loved spending time with his granddaughter, Capri.

Survivors include his wife, Karole Sorenson of West Union; children, Michael Sorenson of Sauk Centre, Corey Sorenson of St. Cloud, and Brianna Sorenson of West Union; step-children, Steve (Holly) Merten of West Union, Daniel Merten of Sauk Centre, and Michelle Merten of Beverly Hills, California; grandchildren, Chance Sorenson and Capri Sorenson; step-grandchildren, Derek Merten, Stormy Merten, and Easton Linn; brother, Mark Sorenson of Wisconsin; sisters, Regina (Ron) Stimson of Lino Lakes, Doris (David) Olson of Mounds View, Debra (Mike) Bayless of Circle Pines, Norma "Jane" Kroll of Wisconsin, and Christina Vangordon of Wisconsin; and many nephews, nieces, family and friends.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Evelyn Johnson.

Serving as casket bearers will be David Olson, Donny Olson, John Messer, Dale Poepping, Dennis Poepping, and Lenny Boogaard. Honorary bearers will be the "Playboys" softball team and the Twin Cities Bowling League.