Gayla Sorenson Obituary

Gayla Sorenson, age 96, of Spencer, Iowa formerly of Sioux Rapids, Iowa died June 23, 2025 at Spencer Hospital. Funeral services will take place Monday, June 30, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Sioux Rapids, Iowa. Burial will be in the Lone Tree Cemetery in Sioux Rapids. To watch a livestream of the service, use the following link and enter password: funeral https://bit.ly/sorensonservice. Visitation will be held Sunday, June 29, 2025 from 4-6:00 p.m. at the CHURCH. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Sioux Rapids is in charge of the arrangements. Gayla May Hanson Sorenson was born May 1, 1929 in Blooming Prairie, Minn to Archie Hanson and Ruth Christianson Hanson, the second of 3 girls. They made their home on the home place SE of Sioux Rapids with grandparents Albert and Lena Hanson living in the tennet house. In 1937 her mother died leaving Archie with 3 little girls to raise. They moved from the tennet house to the big house with her grandparents and Archie's sister Minnie Hanson who helped raise the girls. Gayla started school at Sioux Rapids Community School and graduated in 1947. She met Allen Sorenson of Highview/Linn Grove in 1945 or 1946 and they were married in August of 1947. She was baptized, confirmed, and married at 1st Lutheran Church, Sioux Rapids. Gayla and Allen honeymooned at Yellowstone National Park and when they returned they made their home with Allen's parents for about a year until they rented a farm south of Linn Grove. To this union was born 2 children; daughter Rebecca and son Robert. In 1957 Allen quit farming and the family moved to Highview Consolidated School to be janitor and cook and also lived in an apartment on the 3rd floor of the building. The meals at Highview were known to be the best in the district. In 1959 the family moved to Sioux Rapids as Allen had taken a job as a traveling salesman and Gayla took a job as a cook at the school and a receptionist at the Bulletin Press during the summer. In 1968 they bought the hardware store in downtown Sioux Rapids and worked together until they retired from the store in 2004. After retirement they converted their large home into a Bed & Breakfast enjoying guests for the next 4 years when they retired completely. In April of 2016 they moved to Riverview Assisted Living. In September of 2016 Allen died and Gayla continued to reside at Riverview. She enjoyed the many activities and independence. She enjoyed playing cards almost every afternoon. Gayla was active in whatever community she lived. She was active in 1st Lutheran Church as she was growing up, Congregational Church after marriage, and 1st United Church of Sioux Rapids until 2 years ago when she returned to 1st Lutheran. She was a church organist as needed, the most recent was this past Easter Sunday. She sang in the choirs, was active in the ladies' groups, and taught Sunday School. She was active in Eastern Star as a Past Matron twice and a 50 year member. She was active in the Women's Fellowship, Women's Study Club, Historical Society, and 2000 Committee. She was preceded in death by her husband Allen of 69 years. Her parents Archie & Ruth Hanson, her step-mother Marie Hanson, Allen's parents Sigurd & Thelma Sorenson, Allen's step-father Ted Linka, 3 sisters & their spouse, Nola (Jerry), Solveig (Murray), Diane (Roger), an infant brother, sister-in-law Janice Sorenson, 1 niece & 1 nephew. Left to cherish her memory: daughter Becky (Jim) Fahrenkrog of Sioux Rapids, son Bob (Jeanne) Sorenson of Des Moines. Grandchildren: Kevin (Kim) Sorenson of Ames, Jen (Chris) Prior of Sioux Rapids, Lisa (Nelson) Dunbar of Boone, John (Josie) Fahrenkrog of Sioux Rapids. Her joy extended to her great grandchildren who called her GG: Mac & Missy, AJ & Dani, Cody & Maggie, Trent, April, Carter, Jacob, Kinnick, Bryce, Hayden, & Franny. Great-great grandson Mason and the anticipation of 3 more great-greats this summer, Addy Prior step-great granddaughter and children. Brother-in-law Dale Sorenson of Alta, treasured nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gayla Sorenson, please visit our floral store. Funeral Service