Clifford “Cliff” James Sorensen was born December 21, 1938, to Harvey and Dorothy (Bock) Sorensen in Milford Township, rural Essig, MN. He attended country schools by Comfrey and Butterfield, MN. He married Marlys Ericson on May 13, 1967, in Cottonwood, and they welcomed Melanie and Cyle to their family. Cliff worked for the City of Sleepy Eye for over 30 years, and he enjoyed deer hunting with his brother, Russell. Cliff was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he had served as deacon and head usher. His personality was contagious and he was a proud grandpa to 8 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

Cliff died on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the Johnson Memorial Care Center in Dawson at the age of 87. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Dorothy Sorensen; parents-in-law, Orin and Mildred Ericson, and nephew, James Sorensen.

Cliff is survived by his wife, Marlys; children, Melanie (Korey) Patterson and Cyle (Cindy) Sorensen; 8 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; brother, Russell (Gail) Sorensen; sister, Sharon and Dick Bunker; in-laws, Gordon, Nancy, and George Ericson, and many nieces and nephews.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 1 PM at the Johnson Memorial Care Center Chapel in Dawson, followed by the memorial service at 2 PM.