Howard Sorensen

Howard Nels Sorensen was born on December 11, 1933, in Elk Horn, Iowa, the son of Fred and Helga (Jorgensen) Sorensen. He was baptized and confirmed at Elk Horn Lutheran Church and remained a lifelong member.

Howard graduated from Elk Horn High School in 1952 and went on to attend Iowa State University for one year before entering the United States Army. He served from January 1954 to January 1956 during the Korean War era, stationed in Germany, and was honorably discharged with the rank of E3.

On January 29, 1956, Howard was united in marriage to Karma Overgaard in Kimballton, Iowa. The couple made their home in Elk Horn, where they raised their family and built a life grounded in faith, community, and service.

Howard began his career at Farmers Mutual Telephone Company in 1956 and later joined Marne Elk Horn Telephone Company, where he dedicated 42 years of service before retiring in 1998. He was deeply committed to his community and served as Mayor of Elk Horn from 1999 to 2007. Over the years, he contributed his leadership and expertise through various organizations, including the American Legion, Danish Brotherhood, Optimist Club, Better Elk Horn Club, and the Iowa Telephone Association, where he served as Board President from 1980–1982. He also served on the board of the Museum of Danish America.

He enjoyed woodworking, feeding the birds, gardening—especially tending to roses, and sharing coffee with family and friends.

Howard passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn having attained the age of 91 years, 11 months and five days. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by great-grandson, Camden Van Ert; sister, Lillian (Bob) Eggerss.

Howard is survived by his wife, Karma Sorensen; his children: Marcia (Bruce) Roenfeld of Panora, Diane (Richard) Larson of Atlantic, Janell (Wayne) Hansen of Elk Horn, Thomas (Karen) Sorensen of Bellevue, NE, and Stacie (Ryan) Larsen of Elk Horn; Larry Nguyen and family of Grandview, IA; 14 grandchildren: Lindsey (Brad) Devore, Andrea Bruns, Michelle (Brent) DePhillips, Tyler (Marie) Larson, Chelsie (Gary) Van Ert, Aaron Hansen, Kristin (Nick) Olsen, Jared Hansen, Amber (Justin) Walter, Beau Sorensen, Abigail (Bryce) Puck, Kaitlynn Sorensen, Cooper Larsen, and Davis Larsen; 20 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Egon Overgaard of Longville, MN; sister-in-law, Ebba Johnson of Omaha; extended family members and friends.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Elk Horn Lutheran Church. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., also at church. Private family burial with military honors will be held in the Elk Horn Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Elk Horn Lutheran Church in Howard’s name.