Edward “Ed” Eric Sorenson, age 85, of Ames, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, January 7, 2022, at Northcrest Community.
Ed's funeral will be live-streamed and a link is available on the Tribute Wall of his obituary on the Adams Funeral Home website.
Friends may call from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at the Adams Funeral Home, 502 Douglas Ave., Ames, Iowa. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, January 14, 2022, at Memorial Lutheran Church, 2228 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa. Burial will be in the Ames Municipal Cemetery.
Born on September 27, 1936, at Mary Greeley Hospital in Ames, Ed was the son of Edward B. and Hazel R. (Thoreson) Sorenson. He graduated from Ames High School in 1954. Ed attended Iowa State University for a short time. He and his high school friends enlisted in the U.S. Army together in 1955. Following his time in the service, Ed attended Grand View College before graduating from Simpson with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Ed worked for Phillips 66 as a District Sales Representative for 11 years. During that time, the family lived in several different locations in the Midwest.
Ed and his family returned to Ames in 1972 where his father had owned and operated the Dairy Queen franchise in Story County. The family owned the franchise for 70 years. Because of Ed’s hard work, dedication, and working along with his son, the business thrived.
Ed was married to Sharon Bartlett. Together they had 2 children, Deborah and Allan. The couple later divorced. He was united in marriage to Betty Umdenstock on November 10, 1990.
Ed enjoyed classic cars. He owned several Oldsmobiles and Cadillacs throughout the years. He was a member of several car clubs. Ed was also a member of Memorial Lutheran Church and the American Legion. He liked to listen to music, especially smooth jazz. Ed and Betty spent many years at the Lake of the Ozarks where they enjoyed boating. Above all, Ed loved his family. He followed his grandchildren’s athletics and rarely missed an event.
Ed is survived by his wife, Betty; daughter, Deborah Joens of Johnston; grandchildren: Nathan (Clare Schwager) Joens, Taylor Joens, Sydney Sorenson, and Sophia Sorensen; sister, Carole Begg, and stepchildren: Linda Starbuck, Tracy Christensen, Bob (Brenda) Umdenstock, and Diann (Tony) Vega.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Allan Sorenson; and a brother-in-law, Richard Begg.