Paul Viggo Sorensen

Paul Viggo Sorensen, cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2024, in Independence, Missouri, at the age of 85.

Born on January 5, 1939, in Hørmested, Denmark, Paul was the son of Marius and Jenny Sorensen. He and his family survived the Nazi occupation during the entirety of World War II in Denmark. At the age of seven, the family immigrated to the United States, settling in Avoca, Iowa. He attended Avoca schools graduating in 1958, and then attended Northwest Missouri State University from 1959-1963, graduating with a BS in Education. After teaching school for several years, he went back to school and earned an RN in Nursing. He practiced nursing until 2012, mostly as a psychiatric nurse.

 On February 22, 1964, Paul married the love of his life, Carolyn Rowe, with whom he shared 60 wonderful years. Together, they raised four children: Susan Behler, Jennifer Chapin (husband Alan), Paula Erickson (husband Jason), and Peter Sorensen (wife Swetlana). Paul took immense pride in his family, which has grown to include 14 grandchildren: Brianna Thompson, Ivy Chapin, Sydney Weaver (husband Ryan), Derrik Behler, Ian Chapin, Ariel Fisher, Kai Chapin, Carter Behler, Alexis Erickson, Jeremy Behler, Sam Klein, Zachary Erickson, Justus Behler, and Luna Sorensen. He also enjoyed his role as a great-grandfather to nine great-grandchildren: Priya Jones, Clover Jones, Lane Thompson, Isaac Behler, Grace Thompson, Joni Fisher, Eliza Behler, Maysilee Fisher, and Smith Weaver. Over the years, their family included exchange students with whom they formed lasting bonds. They include: Claudio Teixeira (Brazil), Frank Jung (Germany), Torunn Pedersen-Evensen (Norway), Richie Saenz (Costa Rica), Mattias Lindgren (Sweden), and Annemiek Bakker (Netherlands).

 Paul was known for his adventurous spirit. Among many summer travels throughout the United States with his family and the McClaran family, he also made numerous trips back to Denmark, visited several of their exchange children, and hosted "cousins camps" with his grandchildren. He also spent many summers volunteering to work on the Colorado Trail with family members, as well as many winters with his wife in Arizona after his retirement. Paul will be remembered for his love of running and bicycling, as well as riding his motorcycle across the country, however, it was his profound love for his family and the connections he nurtured that truly defined him.

 He leaves behind a legacy of love, adventure, and cherished memories that will forever be held in the hearts of his family and those who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and two brothers. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, one brother, Soren Sorensen (wife Donna) of Omaha, Nebraska, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

 A celebration of Paul’s life will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, to honor the remarkable life he led. The visitation will begin at 1:00 PM with the funeral and burial to follow at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St Mark’s UMC food pantry in his memory.

 Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel (816) 252-7900)