Jerry Leon Sorenson

Jerry Leon Sorenson was born April 17, 1938 to James Royston (JR) and Edith Marie (Mortimer) Sorenson in Salina, KS. Jerry was the oldest son, followed by brother Larry. Jerry passed away on December 6, 2025 in Minneapolis, KS. Jerry grew up in Gypsum, KS.  He started first grade in a one room school south of Gypsum, and then finished grade school and high school in Gypsum, graduating in 1957. Immediately after finishing high school Jerry went to work for Frisbie Construction Company, Inc, working as a millwright for 18 years. He then started his own millwright business, Sorenson Elevator Services, in 1975, retiring only a few years ago. Jerry met Sandy Ash after he graduated from high school, and they were married in 1959; they had 4 children together, Jeana Kaye, Robert Michael (deceased), Jodi Lynn, and Jerry Lee. Jerry was very active in the Lions Club for many years, he was a member of the original Gypsum Vigilante group, and served on the Gypsum City Council, along with various other organizations. 

Jerry was an awesome storyteller and loved to share his stories with all that would listen, he was very social. 

Jerry is survived by his daughters, Jeana (Chris) Breen, Gypsum, Jodi (Larry) Gawith, Salina; son, Jerry Lee, Gypsum; brother, Larry (Judy), Elmo; grandchildren, Jamie (Mike) Hoff, Matt Breen, Jessica (Jesse) James, Lacey (David) Swetson, Abigale Sorenson; great grandchildren, Samatha and Sadie Hoff, Ethan (Emilee), Lucan and Louden James, Justin and Brooklyn Swetson, Briar Breen; great-great grandson, Stetson; and a great-great grandchild arriving in May; his former wife, Sandra Kruse; along with many cousins, family members, and his beloved fur baby, Koby. 

Jerry is proceeded in death by his son, Robert Michael; his parents; son-in-law, Jim Gillberg; grandson, John Paul Breen; great grandson, Teagan; in-laws, Mahlon and Hannah Ash; brothers-in-law, Dennis (Dee) and George Ash; and niece Ellen Ash Mitchell. 

A Celebration of Life to be held on December 20, 2025, at the Gypsum Community Room, Gypsum, KS, from 2-4 p.m. 

In lieu of  flowers, please donate to the Jerry Sorenson Memorial Fund to help pay for final expenses, care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th, Salina, KS 67401. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jerry Leon Sorenson, please visit our floral store.