Gordon Nels Christian Sorensen, 81 Following a meaningful and fulfilling life, Gordon N.C. Sorensen died   on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2011. Gordon was born on Nov. 5, 1930, to Danish immigrants, Hans and Agnes   Sorensen. They, along with Gordon’s brothers Knute, Hans Jr. and   Alvin and sister Helen Petrick, preceded Gordon in death. Gordon is survived by his wife, Dorothy Elizabeth, and their family,   Heidi (Don) Nelson, N. Peter (MaryJo) and Mark; two granddaughters,   Laura Nelson (Greg) Furdek and Sarah Nelson (Dan) Goeckermann; and   one great-grandson, Jackson Furdek. Gordon is also survived by two sisters, Lillian Ulrich and Margaret   Wied, many nieces and nephews, beloved families in Denmark and a host   of loving friends, true gifts in Gordon’s life. Gordon’s graduate studies, with a Master of Divinity degree, were   completed at Garrett Seminary (Northwestern University), in Evanston,   Ill., in 1955 and he was ordained in that same year. Garrett Seminary   honored Gordon with a Distinguished Alumni Award in 2005. Gordon and Dorothy served United Methodist churches in Wisconsin.   Their last full-time pastorate was Community United Methodist Church   in Elm Grove. After Gordon’s retirement in 1995, he served as interim pastor for   several congregations and led Spiritual Foundation retreats in the   United States and Canada. A memorial service will be held at the Pilgrim United Church of   Christ, 1621 2nd Ave., Grafton, on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 3 p.m. A   visitation with the family will be held prior to the service,   beginning at 1 p.m. Following Gordon’s wishes, his body has been donated to the Medical   College of Wisconsin in support of medical research and advancement. In lieu of flowers or memorial gifts, Gordon has suggested visits to   shut-ins or persons with special needs, thank you letters for   intangible gifts, perhaps received some years ago, letters on justice   and peace issues and forming new connections leading to a better   world for those who come after us.