Dick Russell Sorensen
Wednesday, December 8, 1937
Date of Death:
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Age:
87 years old
Visitation
Date: Thursday October 23, 2025
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Friday October 24, 2025
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Funeral Service
Date: Friday October 24, 2025
Time: 11:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Grandview Memorial Gardens [ view map ]
Wednesday, December 8, 1937
Date of Death:
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Age:
87 years old
Wednesday, December 8, 1937
Date of Death:
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Age:
87 years old
Dick Russell Sorensen
Dick Russell Sorensen, 87, of Rochester, MN, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025 at Rochester Methodist Hospital. Born December 8, 1937, in Rochester to Russell and Minnie (Pahl) Sorensen.
Dick’s early years took him to several schools, completing his education through the 8th grade. In December 1955, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, proudly serving his country until his honorable discharge in October 1959.
On October 9, 1960, Dick was united in marriage to Carole Peck at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester. In 1969, he founded Sorensen & Sorensen Painting, a business he successfully ran until passing it on to his son in 2008. Dick also served as president of Painters Local 681.
A lifelong car enthusiast, Dick raced dirt track cars from 1967 to 1983 and enjoyed building and owning many fast cars over the years — along with more than a few speeding tickets to prove it. Even after his racing days ended, he remained a loyal fan, rarely missing a chance to watch a race.
Dick was proud of everything he achieved with an 8th grade education. He had a deep love for woodworking, creating beautiful pieces for family and friends. Whether it was furniture, small gifts, or other handmade items, he brought precision and pride to everything he built.
He also enjoyed snowmobiling, motorcycle rides, and trips to the casino. He was meticulous with his vehicles and loved to drive — especially if the car was fast.
Dick was strong-willed, determined, and a natural leader who loved being in charge. Above all, he was devoted to his family.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carole (Peck) Sorensen; his children, Carie (Cliff) Roseboom and Michael (Elaine) Sorensen; grandchildren, Alison (Tony) Hoy, Kelsey Nash (Doug Utech), and Dustin Sorensen; step-grandsons, Aaron and Evan Roseboom; and great-grandsons, Rylan Hoy and Archer Nash. He is also survived by his sister, Betty Ellis, brother-in-law John (Linda) Peck, sister-in-law Judeen Peck.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Minnie; brothers Eugene, Delvin, Fredrick, and Jimmy; sisters Mary Jane McGrath and infant sister Deloris; sisters-in-law Kim, Sandy, and Carol; brothers-in-law Lester McGrath and Elton Ellis; his son-in-law, Scot Becker; and step-half sister-in-law, Lucy Nelson.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12th St. SE, Rochester, with Rev. Andy Pronsati officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00–7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, and one hour prior to the service on Friday. Burial will follow at Grandview Memorial Gardens.
To share a memory or leave a condolence, please visit www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
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Condolences
The family of Dick Russell Sorensen has received the following condolences.
To the Sorensen Family, our deepest sympathies to you all at this time. Will miss seeing Dick at the Race Track!
Wayne & Tammy Jackson
Our deepest condolences to Carole, Carrie and Miki at this difficult time. Dick loved life and did things in his own way. He could be a guy to reckon with, if you tried to argue with him. He will be missed and remembered with love.
Carole, Mike and entire Sorensen family. I was so sorry to see you have lost Dick. He was such nice guy to everyone. Such a sweet, kind person, and always a gentleman. He was such a great friend to me and my late husband Phil. Was always such a joy to watch him race his #74. I know he will be missed by so many people. May he rest in peace. God speed and help you through the tough days ahead. Char Schramske
Offering our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Carole. Carrie and Mike and the entire Sorenson family. They were neighbors for years, good neighbors and good people. We had many great times! Dick will be missed he was a great guy!!
Dear Sorensen Family,
I am so very sorry to learn of Dick’s passing. I always admired his work ethic and valued his friendship while I worked at the Mayo Civic Center. His and his staff’s responsive and supportive customer service was second to none. I benefitted with the work relationship and the friendship that Dick extended to me.
Rest In Peace and a Job Well Done!
David
I am so sorry to hear of his loss condolences to the family.
My condolences to the Sorenson family. Dick was one of my Late Model heroes, watching him race at Trioval and Kasson. Rest in Peace. 74. Godspeed.
I will never forget the great nights we had at Kasson watching #74. And Every year at Christmas I would get a new #74 coat. I still have one hanging in my closet today. I am very proud and lucky to have such a great God parent, and a great uncle. You will be missed, but never forgotten.