Lance Dean Sorensen, son of Clarence W. and Faith M. (Walters) Sorensen, was born May 24, 1948, in Sioux City, IA. He grew up on his parents’ farm east of Melvin, IA and received his education there, graduating from Melvin High School in 1966.

    In December of 1967, Lance answered Uncle Sam’s call and began proudly serving his country with the United States Army. Following basic training, he came home on furlough to be united in marriage to Kristine Kaiser on April 30, 1968, at the American Lutheran Church in Melvin. They had but a few days to spend together before Lance began his tour of duty overseas, spending almost a year in Vietnam.

    His military specialty was Light Weapons Infantryman - a front-line combat soldier. He was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division which was heavily involved in combat operations on the front lines in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. For having selflessly served his country, Lance was decorated with several medals for his bravery and extraordinary marksmanship. Among them were the CIB (Combat Infantryman Badge), an extremely significant award given to those who actively fought in ground combat; the Army Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster (received this twice) and a “V” Device for valor, awarded only to those who showed exceptional heroism in combat. His service truly exemplified love for country and the Army’s motto – “This We’ll Defend”.

    After his honorable discharge in December 1969, Lance returned home and began farming southeast of Melvin. For the past several years, he and Kris had enjoyed spending their winters in southern Texas, meeting new faces and creating lasting friendships. Summers found them by the lake, taking in the sun and fresh air from the comfort of their RV. In 2001, they left the farm and moved into the town of Sanborn, IA, calling it “home” ever since; in 2023, Lance officially retired.

    Lance had been a lifelong member of the American Lutheran Church in Melvin as well as an active member of the Melvin American Legion, Post #470. In 2016, he had participated in an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. – a trip he never forgot. Yet, throughout all his travels, nothing could replace the treasured time he spent in the company of good friends and his beloved family.

    On Sunday, April 12, 2026, Lance joined loved ones who had gone before: his parents, Clarence and Faith Sorensen; one brother in infancy, Curtis Sorensen; a nephew in infancy, Timothy Sorensen; nieces: Mindy Witham and Stacey Sorensen; in-laws, Phil and Dolly Kaiser; sister and brother-in-law, Mary Beth (Keith) Van Meeteren.

    Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 57 years, Kris of Sanborn, IA; siblings: Craig (Barb) Sorensen, Llyn (Peg) Sorensen, and Helen (Ken) Wimmer all of Melvin, IA; nieces and nephews: Jeff Sorensen of Melvin, IA, Reggie Sorensen (Missy) of Sioux Falls, SD, Becky (Scott) Vollink of Hartley, IA, Jennifer (Adam) Douma, Brittany (Brandon) Elgersma all of Sanborn, IA, Lucas Sorensen (Amber) of Cedar Falls, IA, Aaron (Rebecca) Wimmer of Harrisburg, SD, Karson (Amy) Van Meeteren and Jamie Noble of New York; 13 great-nieces and nephews; sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Denny Noble of Saginaw, MI; other relatives and many friends.