Burnell Sorum
Burnell E. M. Sorum, 80, of Waukon died Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at his home in rural Waukon, surrounded by his loved ones. Funeral services were held Saturday, April 7 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waukon with Pastor Bill Odermann officiating. Burial was at East Paint Creek Synod Cemetery in rural Waterville.
Burnell Ernest Meinor Sorum was born September 30, 1937 in Waukon, the son of Moris A. and Lulla J. (Gilbertson) Sorum. He was baptized and confirmed at West Paint Synod Lutheran Church in rural Waukon. Burnell attended Bakkum Country School in rural Waukon through eighth grade and graduated from Waukon High School in 1957.
February 1, 1959, he married Anita Olson at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Lansing. They farmed together in Center Township in rural Waukon. Burnell also worked for Rogness Logging, Midland Feed Store, Tri-County Disposal and Allamakee Solid Waste and Recycling before retiring in 2016.
He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waukon. Burnell enjoyed hunting, fishing on his pontoon, visiting with friends and neighbors, tractor rides, taking pictures, mowing his lawn, and watching deer and birds from his deck. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Burnell enjoyed traveling with Anita to Branson, MO and taking other trips with his brother-in-law, Rodney Olson. He had a Pomeranian named Abby that was always with him right up to the end.
Survivors include his wife, Anita Sorum of Waukon; his children: Maureen Sorum, Eric (LaVonne Martie) Sorum and Aaron Sorum, all of Waukon; four grandchildren: Michelle and Sara Goeke, Renae Leuchtenmacher and Chase Sorum; two great-grandchildren: Hailey Dinatalli and Alix Goeke; his brothers- and sisters-in-law: Linda Lou Sorum of Waukon, Jim (Aggie) Olson and Rodney Olson, both of Lansing, and Judy (Robert) Iseli of Waukon. He is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, LaVerne; two sisters-in-law, Kay and Joyce Olson; two brothers-in-law, Curtis and George Olson; and his father- and mother-in-law, Evelyn “E.B.” and Hulda Olson.
Casketbearers were Pat Nelson, Dean Jackson, Chase and David Sorum, Clarence Borntrager and Floyd Leuchtenmacher. Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.
