Darwin Allen Sorenson

  Darwin Allen Sorenson sadly passed away at home into the loving arms of Jesus Christ on January 8, 2021, following an accidental traumatic brain injury at home on Christmas Day. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Noel, and their children and their spouses.

  Darwin was born in Mankato, MN, on May 15, 1944, to Francis and Joyce Sorensen.  He was raised on the family farm in rural Lake Crystal.  He graduated from Lake Crystal High School in 1962, then went on to MSU-Mankato, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1968.

  In 1969, he went on a blind date with a young college student who he quickly decided to propose marriage.  She agreed and they were married on February 7, 1970.  On February 7, 2020, they celebrated 50 years of marriage.

  His life began anew in 1984 at age 40, when he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior, and his love for the Lord was foremost in his life. This single act changed his entire life and he then knew that heaven would be his eternal home after his earthly journey had ended.

  Darwin is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Noel; 4 cherished children: Jared (Kristina) Sorenson, Mankato, Joel Sorenson, North Mankato, Jen (Kyle) Grenz, Lake Crystal, and Jon (Krystle) Sorenson, Lake Crystal. He is also survived by 7 treasured grandchildren: Robbie, Jordan, Rachel, Kaylee, Reagan, Rinnah and Ellyn. He was devoted to his wife and their children and grandchildren.  He is also survived by a sister, a brother and a sister-in-law, nieces and nephews, and many friends and co-workers.  He will be dearly missed and never forgotten.  May God bless his memory.

  Preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lori Anderegg; sister-in-law, Lori Hillstrom, both in 1996, and brother-in-law, Frank Ashley in 2011.  Also preceded by his furry friends, Barney and Charlie.

  Fond memories were annual family trips to Lake Okoboji, IA, pontoon rides on area lakes, watching the farm being cared for, numerous family trips around the US, annual vacations to the Gulf Coast of FL, many short vacations to lakes, mountains, and oceans with Noel, and numerous hunting trips with his sons, son-in-law and friends. He loved taking grandchildren along on many of their travels.

  Darwin was licensed and ordained by the Medo Baptist Church in Mapleton, MN, in 2006 and received his diploma in Pastoral Ministries from the Southern Baptist Convention in October 2010. He gave his last message at Medo Baptist on December 20, 2020.  He frequently gave out the Good News of Jesus Christ to whoever opened their heart to listen, including his children and grandchildren.  His fervent and daily prayer was to meet all of them in heaven someday.

  Visitation is Tuesday, January 12, 2021 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Mankato Mortuary, 1001 N. Riverfront Dr, Mankato, MN.  Funeral Service is Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at 2:00 pm at Bethel Baptist Church, 1250 Monks Ave, Mankato, MN. Interment to follow at Lake Crystal Cemetery in Lake Crystal.  Mankato Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.

  The family would like to give their thankful appreciation to Mayo Hospice West Team for their gentle, professional care in Darwin’s difficult last days at home and also to Mayo Hospital chaplains, Gary, Jerry and Mary Jean for their caring presence, prayers and spiritual support.

  Memorials may be made to Mayo Hospice, Medo Baptist Church, or donor’s choice.