William Roland “Bill” Sorenson of Hermiston, our beloved father, grandfather, brother and uncle, passed away peacefully in Hermiston with family by his side on April 10, 2021 at the age of 90.
He was born on Jan. 27, 1931 in Midvale, Utah to Ben and Alice Sorenson.
Bill was oldest of three boys. When Bill was 10 years old the family moved to Kellogg, Idaho, where Bill graduated from Kellogg High School. He went on to graduate from the University of Idaho, where he earned a business degree and was a member of the SAE fraternity.
Bill married Arlene Jaeger on July 24, 1954 in Kellogg, Idaho. For 62 years, Bill and Arlene shared a love of family, friends, golf, cards and travel, spending countless hours laughing, dancing and enjoying life. Bill enjoyed many hours on the golf course with friends and family. Bill had a special relationship with Arlene’s sisters’ husbands, who were some of his best friends.
Bill was the general manager of the Pik Kwik grocery store in Kellogg for 30 years, until in 1983 Bill and Arlene moved to Hermiston after purchasing the Hallmark store.
Bill was highly regarded by many. Even up to his passing, Bill was greeted with gratitude and respect by those who worked for him or were customers either at Pik Kwik or Hallmark. It meant the world to him to hear stories about how he had positively impacted the lives.
Bill was a Rotary member and while living in Kellogg was bestowed the Paul Harris Fellow Rotarian Award. Bill was an avid golfer with numerous holes in one. It is also rumored that he liked to cheat at Ping Pong (the only way he could outscore his sons). Bill also had a love of cards. The family still plays “skit scat,” a game passed down from Bill’s mother’s side of the family. Bill spent
countless hours playing pinochle and up to the last month of his life continued to gather with his group.
Bill is deeply loved by his family. He and Arlene dearly loved and had special relationships with their grandchildren, whom they often boasted were the most beautiful and handsome children, but above that they cherished the grandkids for the joy, love and laughter they brought to their lives.
While Bill’s passing leaves a depth of grief, his family is comforted by the memories of love and joy we were so blessed to share with Bill. The family shares a special song, sung at many family get-togethers, “Show Me the Way to Go Home.” We are comforted with many wonderful memories and know Bill is home forever with Arlene, and they are again and forever dancing cheek to cheek.
Bill is survived by his children, Marc (Becky), Bonnie (Dave) and Steve (Maureen), and brother, Rick (Joni). Bill will be greatly missed by his seven grandchildren, Stacie, Jennifer, Stephen, Haley, Bill, Patrick and Kate; eight great children; and one great-great granddaughter.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Arlene; and brother, Jim.
Due to Bill’s wishes, there will be a private gathering in celebration of his life with only immediate family.
Interment in Kellogg, Idaho will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests for those who wish to make a donation in Bill’s memory to please make a contribution to Shriners Hospital for Children in Spokane, Wash.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Sun Terrace Assisted Living who provided Bill with compassionate comfort and care.
Please share memories of Bill with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
