Kurt Anders Sorensen

Kurt was born on August 21, 1935, to Paul and Camilla Sorensen in Henningsvaer, Norway, a fishing village in the Lofoten Islands. The Nazi’s occupation of Norway started on April 9, 1940. Kurt was 5 years old. The occupation lasted until May 9th, 1945. The people in the north were forced to move south. At that time Kurt’s father took the family to Nesodden, a small town south of Oslo. In 1954, at age 19, Kurt served in the Norwegian army for two years. On his return from the military he worked in his father’s furniture factory. In 1961, he volunteered to serve in the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces representing Norway on the Gaza Strip. While there he traveled to several surrounding countries. His favorite city was Beirut. Kurt spoke excellent English and his commanding officer had Kurt act as an interpreter when they traveled nearby to obtain supplies for the military camp.

Upon his return he immigrated to the United States on a permanent green card on March 9, 1962. He settled in the Bay Area and began a new life in California. He was a successful businessman, first as a partner in Allied Packing & Supply Inc. When the company expanded, Kurt moved to Long Beach, California. It was there he met his soulmate, Sandy, and they married November 25, 1978. In 1995 he started his own company Allied Packing & Rubber Inc., which is still going strong with his dedicated employees Bennji, Nick, Abe, Elmer, Gabino and Ralph, in addition to his great management team, Lisa Bowers Olsen and Benny Deer. Ben and Kurt worked together for 30-plus years. Ben passed away on February 6, 2025. Kurt’s proudest moment was December 15, 1995 when he became a naturalized citizen. He believed the United States was the greatest country in the world.

Kurt and Sandy loved traveling. They took trips to Norway to see family, exploring countries nearby. Travel included cruises to Mexico, Europe, Alaska and the Caribbean, a rafting trip down the Colorado River, a business trip to Hong Kong, ski trips to Canada, Switzerland and multiple states in the U.S. Mammoth Mountain was his favorite. Kurt was an excellent skier, downhill, cross country and helicopter skiing. There were frequent trips to Hawaii and Mexico with friends and family. In 1985 Kurt and Sandy purchased land in Carmel Valley and began their plans to build their dream country house. In 2002 they found a local builder who completed the house in 2003. It was their piece of heaven.

Kurt is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Sandy; his sister, Anna Elisa Lammetun (John); nieces, Anna Finley (Henry), Cecilie Chambers (Andre); nephews, Hakon Lammetun, Oivind Lammetun; in-laws, Tobie Praus (Vern), Melba Kubat (Dennis); nieces, Michelle Praus, Audra Kubat; nephews, Christopher Kubat (Diane), Malai Murphy; niece, Camilla Sorensen; many great-nieces and nephews and several great-great-nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of the Central Coast, Westland House, Doctors Kehl, Vierra, Kamler, Mittakanti and Alexander and their staff for taking such excellent care of Kurt over the years.

A Celebration of Life will be held in late summer. Kurt will live in our hearts and memories forever. He was strong, courageous, resilient and very adventurous, a true Viking. He will always be with us. Rest in peace, my love.