The Rev. Robert Sorensen, 67, died peacefully at his home in Sealy Friday, May 17.

Robert Lynn Sorensen, the youngest of four children, was born Nov. 16, 1951, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Jack (J.W.) and Ruth Rhodes Sorensen. He was baptized on Palm Sunday 1952. He graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1970 and earned his pharmacy degree from the University of Houston in 1975.

In 1977 Robert married Joylene Kloss of Sealy at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Bellville.

In 1980 Robert got his call to serve the Lord and moved his wife and three daughters to Dubuque, Iowa, where he attended Wartburg Theological Seminary. In 1984 he graduated with his Master of Divinity and was ordained at Calvary Lutheran Church of San Angelo. His first call was to St. James Lutheran Church in Harper. In 1987 he served St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Rehburg in Burton for the next nine years.

From 1996-2007, He returned to his other passion as the pharmacy manager of the Navasota Walmart. He continued to serve multiple congregations in the area as an interim pastor or pulpit supply.

The Rev. Robert’s final call was to serve St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Phillipsburg where he retired from full time ministry in 2017. He was recognized in the community for his powerful preaching and compassionate pastoral care, as well as his love of laughter and music.

Robert was an avid golfer, rancher and hunter. He was involved in starting the annual Holy Opening Charity Golf Tournament. As a rancher, Robert was also instrumental in a synod-wide effort known as “Operation Hay Lift” which brought much needed relief to area ranchers during the drought of 2011. His love of history led him to travel to many places around the world, including two trips to the Holy Land. Time spent with family was his most joyful times.

Robert is survived by his wife of 42 years Joylene Sorensen and their three daughters: Christie Gurka and husband Andy of Satsuma, Ala.; Emily Wagner and husband Ryan of Sealy; and the Rev. Katrina Walther and husband Carl of Brenham; grandchildren: Samantha, Jeremy, Jamie, Jonas, Julieanne, Jorja, Gage, Laura, and Heather; his extended family Brian, Tonya, William, and Katelynn Pierce; his brother Jack Sorensen, dister Patricia Bailey, and numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Jack and Ruth Sorensen, and his oldest sister Rosalie Outka.

Visitation with the family will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Bellville. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Bellville with Pastor Andrew Bell presiding, and Bishop Mike Rinehart delivering the sermon.