WAYNE SORENSON

Wayne P. Sorenson, age 81, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at Mercy Medical Center. He was born on August 7, 1930 in Oshkosh, son of the late Samuel and Kathryn (Olsen) Sorenson. He grew up in the Oshkosh area and in the early years attended the Oshkosh school system. In 1951 he was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War. He joined the 120th Combat Engineering Battalion. While there he earned the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, three Bronze Battle Stars, and the Korean Appreciation Medal. After serving one year and four months in Korea, Wayne returned to the United States. He stayed active as a reservist while attending college, during which time he was appointed 1st Lieutenant. After earning a G.E.D., he attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. After college Wayne spent eight years designing paper machines for Beloit Corporation, he also spent two years as a liaison officer for Beloit in Japan. In 1969 he left Beloit Corp. and joined Kimberly Clark where he also designed paper and non-woven machines. In 1980 he founded Estech Corporation for the purpose of converting paper mill sludge to Ethanol. When Kimberly Clark dropped the project, Wayne and his partners decided to become consulting engineers. They consulted successfully for 14 years, and he retired in 1996. Wayne was an avid sportsman. He and his doubles partner, Walter Burkheimer, of Janesville competed in many handball tournaments throughout the country. Wayne served as a two-term President of the Oshkosh Handball Club. He also loved boating in Door County and on the Mississippi. He loved his horses, especially the babies. Wayne loved to play his guitar and sing. In his later years, he was a counselor for the Appleton SCORE Chapter. He is survived by his wife, Pat; his two sons: Peter and Jack, of Appleton; his daughter, Kathy, of Watertown; step-son, Jim (Ann) Bridges of Appleton; four grandchildren: Sam and Olivia Sorenson, Hannah and Haley Bridges; sister, Beatrice Olson, of Oshkosh; his first wife, Joan Sorenson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-mother, Linda; his daughter-in-law, Tammy Sorenson; his step-daughter, Jacqueline Bridges; his brother, Axel; sisters: Elaine and Sylvia; aunt, Jennie Psomas; and his nephew, Jerry Sorenson. The Memorial Service for Wayne will be held on Friday, December 23, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ (724 E. South River Street, Appleton) with Rev. Steve Savides and Rev. Maynard Beemer co-officiating. Friends will be received directly at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. The family would like to thank Dr. Gremminger and staff for their care and compassion, and the staff of the E.R. at Mercy Medical Center, especially Christina and Robin.