Roger Alvin

Sorum

Roger Alvin Sorum was born on August 19, 1938, in Montevideo, MN, to Alvin Bernard and Clara (Anderson) Sorum. He was baptized, confirmed, and a lifelong member of Bergen Lutheran Church in rural Granite Falls, MN. Roger attended elementary and high school in Clarkfield, graduating with the class of 1956. Roger farmed and drove a milk truck for a number of years. He met Karol Hochstein at the Fiesta Ballroom. They were married on September 10, 1961. The honeymoon was quick because Roger was drafted and entered the Army four days later. For the next two years, Roger and Karol were stationed at Fort Story, an Army base in Virginia Beach, VA. During this time, a son, Jeffrey Bryan was born. After an honorable discharge, they returned to Clarkfield, spending a year in town before moving to a farm site four miles north of town. Roger returned to farming and drove fuel transport for Western Coop during the winters. In 1969, a second child, Stacey Ann was born. In 1972, the family moved across the section to the original Sorum farmstead. Roger farmed until 1996. After farming, he was a Viessman truck driver for several years before retiring in 2010. As a member of Bergen Lutheran Church, Roger served as an usher, trustee, and sextant for many years. He served on the Consumers Oil Company Board of Directors, including as President. Finally, as a member of the Hazel Run American Legion Post #559.

Roger enjoyed bowling and golfing, playing in various leagues for many years. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. Roger went on various trips in search of deer, elk, walleye, and salmon. Summer weekends were almost always at the trailer on Maple Lake. 46 wonderful summers were spent there. He was ready to pull kids and grandkids on waterskis or tubing. Roger never said no to time in the boat. Whether catching walleye or a pail of sunfish, fishing was his happy place. Roger enjoyed his travels, especially the trips to Hawaii and Norway. In retirement, he and Karol spent their winters in Lake Havasu, AZ. They would golf and play cards with friends, go to church, and enjoy the warmth of Arizona. In his last years, Roger battled both cancer and dementia. He died peacefully with family at his side.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Clara Sorum, and his brother Curtis. Roger is survived by his wife of 65 years Karol; his children, Jeffrey (Geneva) Sorum and Stacey (Dan Rathbun) Sorum; five grandchildren, Andrew Sorum, Ben, Tae, Kaia, and Jayne Tanski; his sister-in-law, Rosie Sorum; brother, Roland (Carol) Sorum; sister, LaVonne Koosman, and many nieces and nephews.

Blessed be Roger’s memory.

Visitation with Roger's family will be on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 5 to 7 PM at Bergen Lutheran Church, rural Granite Falls, with a prayer service beginning at 5 PM. Visitation will continue on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 10 AM at Bergen Lutheran Church, followed by the memorial service with military honors at 11 AM.