Mary Sorum

Mary Evelyn Sorum was born on February 24, 1923, to Hugh and Maude (Talbot) Groger on a farm near St. Charles, MN.

She attended St. Charles Public Schools, graduating in 1941 and the teachers training class in 1942. She taught in a rural school. She received a two-year degree in 1944 from the Teachers College in Dickinson, ND and taught in Cando, ND.

She married Francis Sorum, a World War II Navy Veteran, on December 27, 1945, in St. Charles. They had four children; Peter, Ellen, David, and Gary. They lived in St. Charles, where her husband was a creamery manager.

They moved to Rochester in 1959, where Francis has his own business, Furnace Vac Cleaning, and she returned to the teaching profession. She received her bachelor's degree in 1969. She taught at Bandel and Pinewood Elementary Schools until retiring in 1985. Her husband died in 1974.

In retirement, she enjoyed volunteering in the elementary schools, her church, and wherever needed. She especially enjoyed singing in her church choir.

She was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, OMC Auxiliary, Rochester Area Retired Educators (RARE), SEREAM, REAM, Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority, Widowed Persons Service, and AARP.

Mary is survived by her children, Ellen Sorum of Minnetonka, and Gary Sorum of Minnetonka; granddaughter, Priscilla (Tim) Greenwood of St. Louis, MO; daughter-in-law, Claire Sorum of Fairlawn, Ohio; great-granddaughter, Grace Greenwood; great-grandson Fletcher Greenwood; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Francis; sons, Peter and David; brother Chester Groger; and two sisters, Hazel Engvaldsen and Esther Zimmerman.

A memorial service will be held at 11am, Saturday, June 29, 2024 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (1212 12th Ave NW, Rochester) with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery in St. Charles, MN.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Sorum family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com