Helen E. Sorensen

Helen Elaine (Rasmussen) Sorensen, 102, formerly of De Pere, passed away Monday, February 3, 2025, at Charter Senior Living in Madison. She was born September 25, 1922, in the Township of Waupaca, WI, daughter of the late Harry and Blanche (Funk) Rasmussen. After graduating from Weyauwega High School, Helen earned a Bachelor of Education degree from Central State Teachers College in Stevens Point in 1944 and later earned a degree in Library Science from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. She married Merwyn Sorensen on October 5, 1944, at Scott Field, IL.

Helen taught primary grades in Plainfield and Weyauwega before becoming a librarian. While a librarian in the Green Bay schools, she created and delivered presentations on the life and times of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Helen retired after 33 years in education, but continued sharing her Laura Ingalls Wilder program with schools, churches and libraries throughout Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. Her collection of Laura Ingalls Wilder dolls and antiques used in her presentations is located at the Laura Ingalls Wilder school in Green Bay.

Helen was a member of Zeta Chapter, Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, a professional teachers’ organization, since 1972 and held both state and local offices. She was charter vice president and later president of the Green Bay chapter of Zonta International and also volunteered at Bellin Hospital. Her many interests included reading, needlework, playing cards, bowling, golf and especially trailer camping, the highlight of which was a trip she and Merwyn took with friends to Alaska.

Helen will be deeply missed by her children: Sharon (Tim Kill) Phillips Kill and Debra (Mark) Martin; daughter-in-law: Mardie Sorensen; grandchildren: Shelley (Scott) Gifford, Jaime (Lisa) Phillips, Samantha Sorensen, Scott Sorensen, Kelley (Ryan) Nicholson and Katey Martin; and great grandchildren: Sydney Gifford and Jase Nicholson.

She was preceded in death by husband Merwyn, son Jeffrey, her parents and siblings Gordon, Eugene, Marian and Eleanor.

Family and friends may call on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, from 10:00am until the celebration of life at 11:00am at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Ave., De Pere. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, De Pere. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Delta Kappa Gamma, Zeta Chapter.