LuVerne “Vern” Edsel Sorenson, age 75, of Owatonna, died Friday, May 16, 2003, at Cedarview Nursing Home.

He was born Dec. 11, 1927, in Riceland Township in Freeborn County, the son of Carl and Stella (Paulson) Sorenson. He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1946 and went on to attend the University of Minnesota for four years. He served in the military, stationed in Alaska during the Korean Conflict. He married Joanne Porter on June 6, 1953, in Albert Lea. He and his family moved to Owatonna in 1959. He was managing partner for Bertram Cooper and Co. in Owatonna. He opened his own CPA firm in 1990, retiring in 1999. LuVerne was active in music, singing for many area groups, including Robert Oudal Chorale of Rochester. He was a frequent soloist in the community.

LuVerne was a member of the American Legion Post #77, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Elks Lodge. He was a member and past Master of the Star in the East Lodge 33 and was a member of the Zuhrah Temple. He was a member of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and was a member of First Baptist Church of Owatonna, where he was a past member of the choir and served as treasurer. LuVerne enjoyed bowling and golf. He was active with the Little Theater of Owatonna during the 60s and 70s and was a past member of the Lion’s Club and was a United Way president.

He is survived by Reid Sorenson (son) of Longwood, Fla.; Joy and (Rick Stusse) Larson (twin daughter) of Fairfax, Iowa; Jean and David Parks (twin daughter) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Elise Stewart (daughter) of LeCenter, Minn.; Earl and Judy Sorenson (brother) of Fridley, Minn; 11 grandchildren, one niece and one nephew.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne, in Febuary 2003; his father, Carl Sorenson; and his mother, Stella Paulson.

Funeral services were held Monday, May 19, at 11 a.m. The Rev. Scott Engelhart of First Baptist Church officiated. Friends called from 5-8 p.m. Sunday at the Michaelson Funeral Home, Owatonna, or 10-11 a.m. Monday at First Baptist Church. Burial was in the Clarks Grove Cemetery in Clarks Grove. Honors were provided by the Steel County Military Funeral Unit.

Fraternal service by the Star of the East Lodge was held Sunday evening at the funeral home.

The family wishes to express appreciation to the staff of Cedarview for their care and comfort of LuVerne.

Memorials are preferred to Cedarview Nursing Home or Shriners Hospital.