Gary Sorenson

Gary was born in Warren, PA on September 1, 1948 to his parents Andrew and Myrtle Sorensen, each of whose parents emigrated to the US from Denmark. He was the youngest of eight siblings, who shared in the responsibilities and joys of raising him on Cobham Park Road in Warren. He had a special love for each one of them, to go along with many fond memories.

He was preceded in death by his parents in 1989 and 1993, by his sister Marcia (King), his brothers Roger and Norman, and most recently in June of this year, by his oldest brother Ken, who was 99. Surviving are his brother Ron, and sisters Carol and Barbara (Merritt). Carol lives in Ohio, and Ron and Barbara in Minnesota. Barbara, who is 94, and whose joy and energy remains constant and contagious, has been a strong source of godly encouragement and wisdom to Gary until his death. Andrew and Myrtle raised their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Gary, along with his wife Caroline, whom he married on July 23, 1976, have passed this legacy onto their children.

Together, Gary and Caroline raised a family with three children in Warren, PA: Dale, Adam, and Carrie, all of whom survive. Since the onset of ALS (around 2017), Caroline has been Gary’s primary advocate and caregiver. This role intensified greatly when he came home from the Hamot ICU in August of 2024 following a choking episode. Through sickness and health, through good times and bad in the last 49 years, she has remained steadfastly devoted and loving to her husband, all the way to the end. The three children (with help from their spouses) produced 12 grandchildren, all of whom survive, and each of whom he loved dearly: Dale and wife Denise of Seneca, PA with their children Caleb, Daniel, and Joseph; Adam and wife Heather of Mechanicsburg, OH, with their children Lily, David, Levi, Miriam, and Dahlia; and Carrie (Crider) and husband Josh of Greeley, CO, with their children Eli, Rayah, Isaac, and Eliana. It should be noted that along with Caroline, Gary’s son Dale and grandson Caleb played very significant roles in his care after he came home from the hospital.

Gary was a lifelong member of the Church of the Nazarene in Warren, PA until he and Caroline moved to Seneca in 2022, at which time they became members of Christ Covenant PCA. Besides his wife and his immediate family, this local body of believers has served as the hands and feet of Christ to he and Caroline, providing care and encouragement in many big and small ways, both seen and unseen, too numerous to count. The weekly worship service was the highlight of his week, along with the monthly hymn sings held in Gary and Caroline’s home. He loved to hear God’s word preached, to sing hymns, to receive the Lord’s Supper, and was actively engaged in worship every Sunday. Despite his difficulties, Gary rarely missed attending these church functions.

Just as the church was an encouragement to him, so he was an encouragement to the church, and all those fortunate enough to know him. Though he spent the last 14 months of his life on a ventilator, the joy given to him by God was always on his face, along with a warm and strong handshake and when he could, a hug. Though he could not speak, he always did his best to carefully enunciate his words so people could read his lips. Praise and thanksgiving to his Lord, and expressions of love to whom he was speaking, were always the first thing on his lips.

Gary graduated from Warren Area High School in 1966 where he was part of the madrigal singers and a cappella choir. He was employed at Crossett Trucking in Warren, and at Northwest Engineering in Tidioute. Gary was a humble, giving, strong, gentle, and meticulous man, and was skilled in many ways. He was an avid hunter, shooter, and reloader. He spent his life working hard for what he had, and then taking good care of what God provided him with. He poured himself out in whatever ways he could to provide for his children and grandchildren – materially, spiritually, and simply in giving them his time and undivided attention. Also, he was passionate about sharing his many abilities to bless his church family and love his neighbors, including fixing cars, houses, small engines, loading ammunition, building things, etc., etc., etc.

His family will forever be very thankful for his life of service to God, of which we were the primary benefactors. He will be sorely missed by those who knew him best. To God be the glory, great things He has done. His funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 22 at Seneca Son Rise Church, 196 East State Road in Seneca, with the pastor of Christ Covenant PCA, Jeremy Coyer, officiating. Gary’s beloved nephew Steve Sorensen will also speak. The service will be preceded by visitation at the church beginning at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at a private cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary’s name to the ALS Foundation (www.als.org).

Funeral arrangements are being completed by Hile-Best Funeral Home in Seneca. To express online condolences to Gary’s family, visit www.hilebest.com.