Wayne M. Sorenson was born on July 14, 1952 to Richard and Helen Sorenson (Olson).  Wayne passed away July 7, 2024 at his farm south of Beresford, South Dakota where he lived and farmed his entire life.

Wayne graduated from Beresford High School in 1970.  Thereafter he farmed and he was also in the SD Army National Guard from 1970-1976.  He was trained in Fort Sill, Oklahoma and his unit, based out of Yankton, South Dakota, was activated to help recover victims of the 1972 Rapid City flood.  He attended five summer camps in the Badlands. Wayne was very proud of his service.

Wayne was a fixture in Beresford, Alcester and surrounding towns where he was often seen in his signature blue bib overalls and International cap driving his pickup with his dog Diesel as a passenger.  He was also a fixture in the Beresford Emmanuel Lutheran Church where he attended every Sunday.  His pastor described him as a quiet and steady man.  Wayne had an easy smile and was kind and generous with what he had.  He was an amazing mechanic, particularly on vintage tractors, trucks and equipment.  He caught the old tractor bug at an early age and was a great source of information to people all over the country.  If no one else could figure it out, Wayne was called and if he had time he would help.  When he answered his flip-phone it was often someone from New York, California, Illinois, Canada, etc., you name it.  He was known far and wide.  Wayne was a farmer through and through.  He worked hard.  He was kind and stubborn at the same time.  He was a good man and a good Christian.  He will be deeply missed.

Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Richard Sorenson in 1978 and his mother, Helen Sorenson (Olson) in 2000.  He is survived by many relatives and friends, and his dogs Diesel, Duke and Cake (now re-homed).  If there are tractors in Heaven, they will soon all be fixed and running.  Rest in peace Wayne.

Funeral services will be 2PM Monday, July 15, 2024 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Beresford, SD. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at the Beresford City Cemetery.