John David Sorenson

Rev. Dr. John David Sorenson, 75, of Hickory, passed away November 2, 2015 at his residence. Born April 26, 1940 in Eau Claire, WI, he was the son of the late Arthur Melvin Sorenson and Martha Enger Sorenson.

John dedicated his life to the church and to education . He grew up in Eleva, WI, and then attended Augsburg College. After completing a religious education at Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary, he received his ordination into the clergy and accepted a call to serve as the pastor of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Lockbourne, OH.

John left Ohio to continue his education, earning a PhD in Sociology from Florida State University. While there, he continued to preach at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Tallahassee, FL. John then moved to Sioux Falls, SD, to join the faculty of Augustana College, where he taught for more than 20 years. He remained active in the church, as a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, and in the community, serving on the Sioux Falls School Board.

John’s calling eventually shifted from college teaching to college administration. He left Sioux Falls to become the Vice President and Academic Dean at Waldorf College in Forest City, IA, and then moved to Hickory, NC, to serve as the Executive Vice President and Dean of the College at Lenoir Rhyne University.

Throughout his life, John has enjoyed playing the piano and listening to music, particularly organ music.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Rev. Richard Sorenson.

John is survived by his wife of 51 years, Dr. Ruth Sather Sorenson; son, Dr. Olav Sorenson and wife Dr. Constanca Esteves-Sorenson of Hamden, CT; daughter, Kari Pike and husband Stephen of Marblehead, MA; grandchildren, Benjamin Pike, Zachariah Pike, Sol Sorenson, Peder Sorenson and Johan Sorenson; brother, Rev. James Sorenson and wife Joy of Mandan, ND; sister, Norma Fretheim and husband Richard of Kalispell, MT; and sister-in-law, Mary Sorenson of Eau Claire, WI.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 8, 2015 at Grace Chapel at Lenoir Rhyne University with Rev. Andrew Weisner officiating.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 1:45 p.m., prior to the service

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In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Lenoir Rhyne University, 625 7th Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601 or St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 629 8th St. NE, Hickory, NC 28601.