Arlene was born to Eldon (Shorty) and Goldie Jaeger on April 1, 1934 in Kellogg, Idaho, one of five children. She grew up and attended schools in Kellogg, graduating from Kellogg High School in 1952. In 1954, she married the love of her life, William (Bill) Sorenson and together they raised three children: Marc, Bonnie and Steve. Arlene’s family was the center of her life. Their goal was to rear their children to become compassionate, educated and contributing citizens.
Arlene lived her first fifty years in Kellogg where she developed a love for golf. Always competitive, she honed her golf skills winning numerous tournaments and several club championships over the years. She also loved playing cards with friends and sharing a laugh with friends and family.
She and Bill moved to Hermiston, OR in 1983 and spent the next 15 years working side by side at their namesake store, Arlene’s Hallmark, before retiring in 1998. She and Bill greatly enjoyed their retirement years together, which included many memorable trips with family and friends.
Arlene is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Bill; son Marc (Becky), daughter Bonnie Gracia (Dave) and son Steve (Maureen); sisters Jean Bellamy, Carol Poulson and Winnie DeJanevich; brother Jim Jaeger; seven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arlene was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Arlene’s family wishes to extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Jones, nurses, volunteers and the entire staff of the Chaplaincy Hospice House in Kennewick, WA, to the Brookdale Torbet memory care facility in Richland, WA and to Dr. Joseph Gifford of Hermiston, Oregon for their exceptionally kind treatment and professionalism.
Arlene’s memorial mass will be held at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in Hermiston on March 18, 2017 at 11 a.m.
Inurnment will be held later in Kellogg, Idaho.
In lieu of flowers those who wish may make contributions in Arlene’s memory to Chaplaincy Hospice, Shriners Hospital, or Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
