Larry Arland Sorensen

Larry was born in the predominantly Danish community of Greenville, MI on Dec. 9,1946 to Earl and Geraldine Sorensen, and his adoring grandmother, Melvina Mote. Larry is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Mimi, their daughters Kristyn Ladd and Robyn Sorensen, his sons-in-law, Dave Ladd and Danil Babushkin, and his beloved grandchildren, Nadya, Luke, Lars and Rory.

Larry was a much-loved brother to Mimi’s sisters, Carol and Kay and his brothers-in-law, Randall Crow and Brian Smith and caring uncle to Leland and Reed Crow and Andrew, Benjamin and Matthew Smith. Larry is also survived by his brother Jon Sorensen and wife Lois, and their daughters Ruth and Laura, along with his favorite cousin, Jim Echter.

Larry took great pride in his role as grandfather and constantly told his children and grandchildren how proud he was of them. Larry was an involved dad and grandfather, taking a front row seat for dozens of football and basketball games, high school musicals, dance recitals, choir and orchestra concerts, and any event involving his kids and grandkids.

At age 12, Larry announced he wanted to become a teacher and delivered newspapers and bagged groceries to save money for college. Always working to help others, Larry was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, later serving as a water safety instructor and camp counselor for Boy Scouts.

A graduate of Central Michigan University, Larry formed lifelong friendships with his Sigma Chi brothers and their wives. After marrying his college sweetheart, Mimi, he taught elementary education for over 30 years at Meridian Public Schools in Sanford, where they raised their two daughters. Leaving for work, Larry would often say with a smile, “I’m not going to work. I’m going to school.”

Larry loved to be with family and friends on Drummond Island. He and Mimi enjoyed many years of swimming, boating and fishing in the U.P. Always wanting to serve, Larry was a member of the Drummond Island Lions’ Club and wrote a monthly column for the DI Digest.

Larry lived life to the fullest with a great devotion to his family and friends. Despite a diagnosis of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy later in life, he never lost his sense of purpose, faith and optimism.

The celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 12 PM at Redeemer United Methodist Church, 13980 Schavey Road, DeWitt, MI 48820. Visitation will be held on Wednesday at church beginning at 11 AM until the time of service. Fellowship will follow after service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Redeemer UMC in DeWitt or the Limb Girdle Awareness Foundation (please find links below).