Edmund Henry “Red” Sorenson, 100, son of Dr. Edmund and Mildred Sorenson, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, at Fort Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson, after a brief illness.
Edmund grew up in Elkhorn, where he lettered in baseball, basketball, and football. At 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II and trained as a Naval Aviator, flying F4F Wildcats and F6F Hellcats from the U.S.S. Kearsarge Aircraft Carrier. While he was never in active combat, he remained deeply proud of his service and his country. Upon returning home, he completed his Doctor of Optometry degree at Northern Illinois College of Optometry. He met his future wife, Suzette, years earlier at Lauderdale Lakes when the two were paired for a scavenger hunt at age 13. They married 12 years later in a garden ceremony at Greenhurst Cottage on May 27, 1950. Their 72-year marriage remains an enduring inspiration to their family.
Edmund was entrepreneurial throughout his life. After initially practicing as an optometrist, he and Suzette moved to Texas, where he pursued oil ventures. He later transitioned to homebuilding in Tulsa, Oklahoma, before moving to Wayland, Massachusetts, where he attended Harvard Business School. After earning his MBA, he worked as a stockbroker in Chicago, though his passion remained residential construction. He went on to lead a major homebuilding company in Dayton, Ohio, before founding his own firm, U.S. Shelter, Inc., and returning to the Chicago area.
He served as President of both the Illinois Home Builders Association and the Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago and was recognized for designing and building a futuristic “Concept House.” Throughout his career, he was responsible for providing homes for thousands of families.
After retiring, Edmund and Suzette lived in Naples, Florida, where he was an avid bridge player, enjoyed golf and tennis, and volunteered as President for Habitat for Humanity of Collier County, Florida. He was a devoted husband, father, “Papa,” and friend, and was known for his kindness, encouragement, and unwavering support of others.
He is survived by his three children Jack (Nancy) Sorenson, Peggy (Dan) Collins, and Richard (Tracey) Sorenson; his grandchildren John (Whitney) Sorenson, James (Shaye) Sorenson, Lori (Josh) Koeppel, Avery (Eric) Vivian, and Kate (Ross) Barrett; and his great grandchildren Henry Sorenson, Laine Sorenson, Olivia Koeppel, Grant Sorenson, Miles Sorenson, Addison Koeppel, Ruby Sorenson, Sydney Koeppel, Eloise Sorenson, Brinley Barrett, Arthur Sorenson, Hailey Koeppel, and Charles Vivian. He was preceded in death by his wife, Suzette Morton Sorenson, his parents, and his brothers Robert and Joseph Sorenson.
A Celebration of Life will be held in late spring at Greenhurst Cottage. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice or to Macular Degeneration Research.
Nitardy Funeral Home of Whitewater is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.