Rey Grant Sorensen's Obituary
Rey G. Sorensen passed away peacefully at his home on July 20, 2026, surrounded by family. His wish was to leave this life at his home, in the same room where he was born more than 100 years ago. Except for a few years during the early years of his marriage, Rey was a resident of Manti, a community he loved deeply.
Rey was born on May 2, 1926, in Manti, Utah, the youngest of five children born to Edward and Adeline (Krueger) Sorensen. He attended school and seminary in Manti. During World War II, while still a high school senior, Rey enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and reported for active duty just days after graduating in May 1944. He served his country faithfully where assigned and was honorably discharged, with a letter of commendation, as a Sergeant.
Following the war, Rey attended Snow College, took flight lessons, and worked for his brother-in-law farming. He met Ardella Sorensen of Fayette, Utah, and they were married in the Manti Utah Temple on February 24, 1950. He and Ardella, who passed away in 2015, were blessed with seven children; Connie (John) Sanchez, Wayne (RaeAnn) Sorensen, Sandra (Dave) Smith, Clifford (Valerie) Sorensen, Jerry (Mei-Chi) Sorensen, Ken (Valerie) Sorensen, and Kathy (Jeff) Deleeuw, and later 34 grandchildren, and 76 great-grandchildren. Rey loved his family and took great pride in them and their achievements.
Rey faithfully served in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a stake missionary and was ordained a Seventy. He also served for many years in the Sunday School superintendency and as a clerk for two bishops. His commitment to service extended throughout the community. He was an active member of the American Legion, where he served as post commander, and he also served as president of the Manti Senior Citizens organization.
Farming was Rey's lifelong passion. He took great pride in building one of the most modern hog farming operations in Utah at the time. During this time he also worked for the United States Post Office for 22 years. Following his retirement, he and his son Jerry founded Sorensen Towing.
Rey had a lifelong love of aviation. He bought an airplane to fly as a hobby, and later built one of his own with the help of his son Ken. He was also a member of the Civil Air Patrol. Throughout his life, Rey enjoyed traveling across Utah and throughout the United States, as well as making several trips to Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, and Taiwan. In 2021, he participated in the Utah Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., an experience he treasured. At age 97, he fulfilled another dream by traveling to Hawaii, where he visited Pearl Harbor.
Rey was grateful to celebrate his 100th birthday earlier this year, surrounded by family and friends. It was a milestone he cherished and one that reflected a life well lived and the many friends he made over the years.
Rey was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, wife, and three grandchildren.
Rey will be interred in the Manti City Cemetery.
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