Sorensen, Niels

Niels J. Sorensen, Sr., 80 of New Baden, died Sunday, January 17, 2010 at his home. He was born June 16, 1929 in East St. Louis, son of James and Doris (Reed) Sorensen. He married Shirley Jones November 20, 1954 in Tunica, MS and she survives in New Baden. In addition to his wife he is survived by four sons, Niels Sorensen, Jr., Richard (Barb Wempe) Sorensen, Barry Sorensen, and David Sorensen; four daughters, Mary (Mark) Lake, Cerese Smothers, RoxAnn Bickner, and Laurie Castellano; 16 grandchildren, Truly (Patrick) Sorensen, Christopher Campbell, Jamie (Nee, Campbell) Beveridge, Tammy (John) Hyatt, Jonathan Lake, Scott Smothers, Sarah Smothers, Sandy (Tom) Bruns, Jason Sorensen, Joshua Sorensen, Jeanina Sorensen, Timothy (Glenna) Bickner, Lisa Bickner, Nicole (Todd) Bland, Megan (Christopher) Detmer, Buddy (Vanessa) Peterson; 16 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary (Robert) Price and Deloris (Chuck) VanDerFleet. He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother, Ruby Sorensen, and a son-in-law, Emil Bickner. Before his retirement Mr. Sorensen was a radar specialist at Scott Air Force Base and a long time employee of B-Line Systems in Highland. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and a member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Lebanon. Niels was a devoted and loving husband and father. He has always put his whole self into the joys, sorrows and challenges of a large family. He was an active member in his neighborhood, offering advice, assistance, encouragement and a sympathetic ear to all who needed it. He received a great deal of enjoyment from his family, friends and neighbors. He was very proud of his 20 years of service in the Air Force and retired as a Master Sergeant. He will be greatly missed by family, friends and neighbors who knew him. A funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden with Chaplain Eric Williams officiating. Friends may call from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association and will be received at the funeral home.