Daniel Sorenson - Barnes Family Funeral Home

Obituary
Condolences

Daniel Victor Sorenson, 63, of Ozark, Missouri, passed away Thursday, September 9, 2021, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri. While valiantly battling complications from the Covid-19 virus, he had a severe, adverse reaction to a blood thinner, which caused him to have a massive, bilateral stroke. He passed away while surrounded by his wife and children.

Danny was born January 5, 1958, in Farmington, Missouri, to Guy Edward Sorenson and Sally Ann Raney. When Danny was 14 years old, attending school at Jennings Junior High School in Jennings, Missouri, he met the love of his life, Janet Suzanne Orf. They were married September 14, 1974, in Ferguson, Missouri, and together raised a family of eight amazing and very loved children.

Dan joined the United States Navy and honorably served his country for thirteen years, ending his time there as an Air Intercept Control Supervisor. He then pursued a career with the US Postal Service where he was currently employed as the Manager of Continuous Improvement, Logistics and Processing. He earned a BA in Management and an MA in Management and Leadership, both from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. He also earned Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt Certification from MoreSteam/Ohio State University. During his lifetime he had over 40 years of federal service.

Dan is survived by his wife, Janet Sorenson, and seven of their eight children: Erin Cummings (Troy) from Kansas City, Missouri; Elizabeth Ouellette (Brian) from Ozark Missouri; Brian Sorenson (Heather) from Warrenton Missouri; Matthew Sorenson (Jessica) from Murray Utah; Nathan Sorenson (Elizabeth) from Foristell, Missouri; Meghan Nelson (Craig) from Seattle, Washington; and Emilie Garner (Nathan) from Lehi, Utah.

He will be deeply missed by 28 of the greatest joys of his life, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Brandon Sorenson, Kelsen, Joshua, Lucas and Rylan Cummins, Braiden, Ellie, Mason, Audra, and Seth Orme, Ashlyn Kettler-Orme, Elora and William Ouellette, Trey Dunn, Natalie, Arlan, Dean and Baby Girl (due January 🙂 Sorenson, Everett, Adalaide and Emmeline Sorenson, Olivia Sorenson, Isabel, Sophie and Grace Nelson, Cassie Garner, Liam Garner and Leona Orme.

In addition, he is survived by five siblings: Wendel Sorenson (Cheryl) from Texas, Jerry Sorenson (Debbie), Tim Sorenson (Michelle), Cara Dukes, Chris Sorenson (Jennifer), all from Illinois.

Dan was preceded in death by his daughter Aimee Renee Orme, two of his grandchildren Daniel and Andrew Ouellette, his son-in-law Jared Orme, his parents Guy and Sally Sorenson, an infant sister Christine Sorenson and his beloved grandparents Paul and Ann Raney.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, September 14, 2021, in Barnes Funeral Home, Ozark, Missouri, 1700 South 15th Avenue, Ozark, Missouri 65721. Visitation (closed casket) will be 10:00 A.M. prior to the funeral service. A graveside service with full military honors will be held at Springfield Veterans Cemetery, 5201 South Southwood Road, Springfield, Missouri, at 1:00 pm. A luncheon will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1309 N. 20th Street, Ozark, Missouri, 65721, following the graveside service. Online condolences may be shared at wwwbarnesfamilyfunerals.com.

Condolences(34)

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FG says
September 11, 2021 at 5:16 pm

Very loving and servant Leader. He will be missed. Much love to the family and friends.
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  Stan Franke says
  September 14, 2021 at 9:45 am
  
  So very sorry for loss. Dan was a great teacher and very personable. His leadership will be missed. My prayers are with your family.
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Michael Winters says
September 11, 2021 at 5:21 pm

So sorry for your loss. Dan was a great teacher, I admired him very much. I knew Dan through the Post Office, I didn’t know we were both LDS. We will see him again one day.
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Brian Ouellette says
September 11, 2021 at 6:57 pm

Dan was more than a father in law, he was a friend who was there for me after my sons passing, as well as the deaths of both parents.
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Jessica Erlandson says
September 11, 2021 at 10:18 pm

Simply cannot fathom you are really gone. Much love to your family. My deepest condolences
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Harry Green says
September 12, 2021 at 12:17 pm

My heart goes out to Janet and all of Dans children. He was an awesome guy, all of us who worked with Dan at USPS were recipients of his love and kindness. His approach to situation always put things into perspective. You just could not get no better than Dan Sorenson…what a great and wonderful leader. Dan I will miss your advice on how to be the best leader we can be for our company, and an example of being the best person and always rising to the occasion every time. Thank You Sir you will be missed.
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Jo Ann Feindt says
September 12, 2021 at 2:28 pm

I am so very sorry to learn of the passing of Dan a truly great Man. I was honored to have him as a part of my team for several years, he was dedicated and a true Professional. My thoughts and prayers to his family. Jo Ann Feindt former Vice President Area Operations Great Lakes and Southern Area.
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Ken Cary says
September 12, 2021 at 8:16 pm

They say there’s a place where dreams have all gone, They never said where, but I think I know; its miles through the night just over the dawn, On the road that will take me home. Love waits for me round the bend, leads me endlessly on; surely sorrows shall find their end, and all our troubles will be gone. I know what I’ve lost, and all that I’ve won; when the road finally takes me home. I’m going home. Dan has gone home.
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Sami Shara says
September 13, 2021 at 6:53 am

Dan was a great friend and collogue. His heart was deep in his Faith and his family. We spoke weekly for the past 8 years sharing work, family and life experiences. Helping each other get through rough times. We discussed moving at the same time and he was excited to have be around family. Dan was a man of honor and integrity. Always there to support and provide morale support, Dan left a mark of friendship among his friends.

I was in shock for the past 3 days since i heard that my friend Dan has moved on to a glorified place next to his Father. I deepest condolence to the entire Sorenson family. May his soul rest in Peace,
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Randall Tillman says
September 13, 2021 at 8:02 am

Dan was a leader, coach and mentor to many USPS employees blessed by his presence. I was one of those lucky ones to have met and worked with Dan. My memory will be that of someone you could call for help or guidance on your lean thinking and know he would always help . He will be missed, but I am sure Heaven is blessed with a new Angel called home. You will be in my prayers as you celebrate Dan’s life and mourn his passing.
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Flo Bartrum says
September 13, 2021 at 8:03 am

Dan was a wonderful man and a dear friend. He did so much for our family. Our kids have fond memories of him as he served as our Bishop. Love and prayers go out to Janet and their children.
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Linda Kennedy says
September 13, 2021 at 8:29 am

Dan was my Manager at the Post Office. Our Team traveled around the country teaching postal workers about Op Ex. Dan started every class by introducing himself and telling the groups that he was married with 8 children and 29 grandchildren. He was so proud of his family! Dan was a great Manager and mentor to me. I will miss his kindness and guidance that he showed to me and others. Rest in Peace my friend.
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Mark Rosenwinkel says
September 13, 2021 at 9:43 am

Dan was a trusted colleague and a true friend. It was my honor to have worked with and known him during our years at the Great Lakes Area office of the postal service. My prayers go out to all of his family as you mourn your loss. God Bless each of you.
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Mark Montgomery says
September 13, 2021 at 10:02 am

Dan will be sorely missed for years to come. His legacy will, however, live on for decades in the US Postal Service. His passion was monumental in his Leadership and every initiative he supported.
My heart aches today for this family and the loss they have having to endure. May that same legacy that we have seen, and your own fond and loving memories, carry Dan in your hearts forever.
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Prathmesh "Prat" Shah says
September 13, 2021 at 10:51 am

Friend, Co worker, Boss, Coach, Mentor, Inspiration, Servant Leader; are some of the roles Dan has been in my 25 plus USPS years. I have had the distinct pleasure of a great relationship with Dan. Dan was a influential force in my career development and was just a genuinely a super nice guy! Always willing to take time out to help anyone with their questions or whatever was needed. Dan said what he meant and meant what he said. He loved his family very much. Loved talking about his grandchildren in the many time we had a nice dinner while travelling to make our company better each day. I will miss Dan immensely. But know this; His legacy and influence will live forever in all of us. Rest in peace my friend. Our condolences, love, thoughts, and prayers are with Janet and the entire family.
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Jack and Kathy Keadle says
September 13, 2021 at 11:56 am

Was so saddened to hear of Bishop Sorenson passing. We loved him as our Bishop and friend. Our prayers of comfort are with you and your family. He will be so missed by all who knew him.
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Jeff Chaney says
September 13, 2021 at 12:50 pm

Dan was a great leader at our Area offices, and a great man who I am proud to have known and befriended. His loss to those he worked with is immense, but his loss to his family and friends must be immeasurable. You have my sincerest condolences.
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Jeff Chaney says
September 13, 2021 at 1:01 pm

I am very sad to hear this news. Dan was a good friend and a wonderful leader to those of us he worked with. I learned a lot from him. I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
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C. McLin says
September 13, 2021 at 2:05 pm

Dan was a kind and gentle man. A very sincere and compassionate person. Although softly spoken, we at the USPS listened. He practiced what he preached and walked the walk. He along with his expertise and professionalism will be missed tremendously. Praying for Peace and Strength within!
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Blesson Cariyadil says
September 13, 2021 at 2:21 pm

Dan’s humility is what first comes to mind when I think of him. Great servant leader as someone else mentioned. It was a pleasure working with him and he will be missed. Heartfelt condolences to his family.
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Janice Sarver says
September 13, 2021 at 3:24 pm

To all of “Bishop” Sorenson’s family,
I only knew him as my Bishop but he was a very caring and helpful bishop; I was so shocked and surprised by his sudden illness and passing – just as so many were. May Heavenly Father be with you for comfort, understanding and guidance, and may you always remember the good times just as he would want you too. Grateful for the gospel to know you will be reunited again.
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Peggy Schneidewend says
September 13, 2021 at 8:20 pm

I still cannot believe that Dan is really gone. It seems like only yesterday that he and I were together at the new Milwaukee Annex facility talking about ideas for the new facility and the upcoming operational excellence training. The thing I will remember most about Dan is his passion for what he was doing and how much he gave of himself to his job, his co-workers, and his family. Always willing to share his knowledge, experience, and wisdom, no matter what the situation. He had such an easy way of interacting with people and we always learned so much from him each time we saw him or spoke with him. He was a great mentor and friend to me personally and I will miss him very much. Sending much love and strength to Dan’s entire family and loved ones. My heart will be with you.
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Steven Mummy says
September 13, 2021 at 8:32 pm

I’ve known Dan for the past two decades and had the pleasure of working with him on the HQ Accounting Services Continuous Improvement team and as a fellow LSS MBB at USPS.

I will miss our calls catching up on our most recent projects and life experiences – but most of all I will miss his generous spirit and sense of humor.

My sincere condolences go out to the Sorenson family.
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Mark and Gina McClaine says
September 13, 2021 at 8:48 pm

We will always be grateful for his soft and patient mannerism, his wonderful Sunday School lessons, and for making us feel at home at church. Our hearts break for the family and hope that many wonderful memories will buoy them up until they are with him again.
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David Campbell says
September 13, 2021 at 10:03 pm

Dan was a wonderful friend and co-worker at the USPS. Dan was one of the first USPS employees that I co-taught Lean Six Sigma with in the postal service. I remember how impressed I was with his teaching style and his calm demeanor. Dan would talk about his family often and it was evident that he loved his wife, his kids, and his grandkids. Dan will be dearly missed, but the fond memories of him and his legacy will continue on. I pray God will bless his family and comfort them is the most difficult time.
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Faith Noël Welch says
September 13, 2021 at 10:46 pm

Being a part of the Sorenson family is one of the best things that ever happened to me. I got to play pretend that your family was mine for so many years, and Dad made the family everything it is. He was this subtle calm in the middle of Christmas chaos and an anchor in the worst of times. Everything about him was steady, reliable, gentle, kind. He held a rare kind of peace around him, you could tell from his first word to you that he was a good, compassionate man.

He raised good people, who have raised good people and I am so grateful for the sweet new baby girl who will be raised in a family of love and magic and togetherness. It feels like my chest is breaking when I think about seeing the family again and knowing there will be one less warm hug to welcome me home, but I am filled with joy to know that his influence is in every new addition. The warmth and devotion he gave to his family will echo for generations.

To a momma who took me in as her own, I am so glad to know you. I am so glad to have known Dad. It feels uncomfortable to call him by any other name; he made the home that felt like home for me. I love you so much and I hope you can feel the too-tightness of the hug I am sending your way. I miss you and I miss him and I will forever.

To my dearest friend and sister, you are everything he ever hoped for. The sacredness of watching you build your own family and creating a joyful life for yourself is beyond words. I am so glad to know you & that you allowed me to be such a centra part of your life. I know this wouldn’t hurt so much if you hadn’t but it’s worth every piece. There is no way I can convey what he meant to me, what you mean to me. I have said it for years and i’ll say it forever, you are my person and I am here for you. I ache with you.
I am so sorry he is gone.

To the Sorensons, Ormes, Cummins, Ouellettes, Nelsons, and Garners: I love you. I love you and I am honored to have had such an uncommon glimpse into your absurd, massive, wonderful family and the steadfast patriarch who led it. I hope to see you all together again someday soon.
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Suzanne Hankins says
September 14, 2021 at 10:35 am

My condolences to your family. My God be with you at your time of need. Dan was a great facilitator, a wealth of knowledge very kind.
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Gay Ebert says
September 14, 2021 at 8:09 pm

It is hard to come up with what to say when one of the best leaves so early. Just know how much you mean to so many people. You have meant so much to me for over 30 years. And always cherish how much he loved each of you.
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Phillip Murphy says
September 15, 2021 at 9:16 am

We’ve lost a great man and a great friend. However, the positive impact he had on those around him will remain and the world is a better place for having him in it. My condolences to his family for such a great loss.
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Victo P Varghese says
September 16, 2021 at 7:17 pm

My heartfelt condolences and prayers! I am shocked and saddened by the news. I am very much indebted for my success in my career to Dan, a gentle and humble soul with immense depth of knowledge in his field. He made complex things simple with his insight and wisdom. He was always there whenever I needed help. May the Lord bless his soul!
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Jeffrey Agnew says
September 17, 2021 at 7:00 am

I pray for the friends and family of Dan. In life you only meet a few people that are truly genuine and as kind as Dan. It is an honor to have had a very brief time to get to know Dan. Thank you for your leadership and many teachings. You will be missed. NATION, ATTENTION. SLOW SALUTE.
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Esmeralda Dominguez says
September 20, 2021 at 10:47 am

My deepest condolences to the Sorenson Family. I will always remember our lengthy conversations about the Lord and all the work he has done for the Kingdom of Heaven. Dan was always so level headed and had a gentle spirit. I was glad to know him. Prayers to Mrs. Sorenson. Dan even gave me her number to call with questions relating to ancestry. He just said…”go ahead and call her” without even asking her for permission. lol…that was just the guy he was. Until we meet again my friend.
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Lowell Curtiss says
September 23, 2021 at 10:58 pm

I just found out about the great loss of Bishop Dan Sorenson. My heart is very sad and shocked now. I pray that the Lord will comfort each of you. I learned so much from Bishop Sorenson especially when I was called to be his Executive Ward Secretary. Dan was and is a great husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all who crossed paths with him. He was and is a great Priesthood holder example. I know all of us will see him again in the next life. I pray for an outpooring of love and strength during this difficult time. We send our love and deepest sympathy to you!!!
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P David Welch says
November 21, 2021 at 6:05 pm

Sorry I am a little late getting to this. I was very sorry to hear about Dan. I first met Dan (and family) when we moved to the Lake St Louis ward in 2010. He and Janet both taught the adult Sunday school class (Gospel Doctrine) but at different times and I thought both did a great job. YES JANET, you too. Then they kind of adopted my then-teen daughter Faith, constant companion of Emilie and the Sorenson house became her home-away-from-home and the family she seemed to like better than her own a lot of the time !

With Dan working for USPS and me having a mail order business in my home, he once put me on a conference call with a group of people in charge of developing/improving the USPS website. I was pretty brutal about how cumbersome and inefficient parts of it were. And he was not offended by my comments ! He knew there were problems already.

Our families overlapped and connected for a number of years and it was never a dull moment. I always liked Dan and appreciated his calm, good nature and commitment to family. He will be missed and it was a massive shock to hear of his death. It was sobering news. I hope your family finds comfort and peace. P David Welch, father to Faith Welch’s 2nd place favorite family.