Merle Eldred Sorenson

Merle Eldred Sorenson, age 90, of Hessel, Michigan, Passed at MyMichigan Straits, on May 29, 2024. He was born on December 16, 1933, in St. Ignace to Myron and Leone (Reiman) Sorenson. Merle graduated from LaSalle High School in St. Ignace, with the Class of 1951. He met Catherine H. Varney in 1956, and they married on February 2, 1957. They resided in St. Ignace most of their life before moving to Hessel in 1984, where they spent the rest of their retirement together. Merle worked for the state of Michigan for 32 years, was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, where he received a Pilgrim Degree, and was a proud member of the Sault tribe. He also earned a spot in the Bowling Hall of Fame in St. Ignace. Merle loved the outdoors, was an avid Fisherman, his best fishing buddy was his wife, among other family and friends. He was part owner in a great hunting property with his 2 amigos’ Howie Everson and Ernie Krause. Many family memories were made there. He was also a major fan of sports. He always supported his favorite teams, the Detroit Redwings, and Michigan Wolverines. He enjoyed playing cribbage & doing jigsaw puzzles. Merle is survived by his wife, Catherine of 67 years; daughter, Denise “Dee Dee” (Gerald “Soap”) Bickham; grandchildren, Erin and (Sean) Hendricks, and Dr. Rebecca and (Nick) Boston; great-grandson, Everett. Brothers, Duane (Dorthy)Sorenson, and Roger (Cheryl) Sorenson; brother-in-law, Douglas; sisters-in-law, Doris Mackenzie, Minnie Varney, Jan Varney and Shirley Sorenson. Also, numerous nieces, nephews and their families. Merle was preceded in death by his Parents, three-month-old son, Bruce; daughter Julie Norton: brother, Gerald Sorenson; brothers-in-law, William Varney, Rod Varney, Max McKenzie, Alvin Mc Kee; and sisters-in-law, Sue Varney, and Carol McKee. A Graveside Memorial Service will be held on July 23, 2024. Graveside service at 12:00 PM, in Lakeside Cemetery, St. Ignace, Michigan, with a luncheon to follow at the Moose Lodge of St. Ignace, 2999 Mackinac Trail, St. Ignace, Michigan 49781. Memorial Contributions can be made out to the Clark Township Ambulance Corps, P.O. Box 367, Cedarville, MI 49719 or the Moose Lodge, 2999 Mackinac Trail, St. Ignace, Michigan 49781, or the Moose Lodge 999 Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com As Submitted by Family

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Merle Eldred Sorenson

December 16, 1933 - May 29, 2024