Randall Everett Sorenson

Randall Everett Sorenson, 94 of Rigby died Saturday, September 6, 2014 at Morning Star Assisted Living in Idaho Falls. Randall was born April 25, 1920, in Smithfield, Utah to Charles Henry Sorenson and Mary Elizabeth Barker Sorenson. He was raised and attended schools in Smithfield, Utah, graduating from North Cache High School. He continued his education at Utah State University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Radio Engineering. On October 24, 1941 he married Brenda Van Orden in the Laie, Hawaii LDS Temple. He was working as a civilian for the US Navy at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked on December 7, 1941. The attack led to the United States entry into World War II. He continued working at Pearl Harbor until he was drafted into the US Army about a year before the end of the war. After he was discharged he worked as a radio engineer in Clearfield, UT, Pocatello, ID, Spokane, WA, Oklahoma City, OK, and Burley, ID until settling in Idaho Falls, ID in 1954 when he started work in Nuclear Research at the AEC site (now the INL) He retired in 1985. Randall was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: he served in many teaching positions and served as Bishop. He and Brenda served in the Arkansas, Little Rock, Mission for 2 years shortly after retirement. He enjoyed working, gardening, woodworking, ham radio, camping, and fishing. He also played the piano by ear. He is survived by his wife, Brenda Sorenson of Rigby, daughter, Carol Simmons (Dee), of Rigby, sons, Paul Randall Sorenson (Yolanda), of San Diego, CA, and Eric Reid Sorenson (Christine), of Salem, OR, brother John Leon Sorenson(Helen) of Provo, UT, 20 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Karen Sue McGill, grandson, Ian McGill, 3 sisters, Ruby, LaVell, and Stella, and 1 brother, Curtis. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, September 13, 2014 at the Annis Little Butte Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Eckersell Memorial Chapel, 101 W. Main Street, Rigby, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. prior to services at the Cemetery.