Burnell Ernest Meinor Sorum

Burnell E. M. Sorum, 80, of Waukon, IA, died Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at his home in rural Waukon, surrounded by his loved ones. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 7th, at 11:00 AM at St. John's Lutheran Church in Waukon with Pastor Bill Odermann officiating. Burial will be at East Paint Creek Synod Cemetery in rural Waterville. Friends may call from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Friday at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon.

Burnell Ernest Meinor Sorum was born September 30, 1937, in Waukon, IA, the son of Moris A. and Lulla J. (Gilbertson) Sorum. He was baptized and confirmed at West Paint Synod Lutheran Church in rural Waukon. Burnell attended Bakkum Country School in rural Waukon through 8th grade and graduated from Waukon High School in 1957. On February 1, 1959, he married Anita Olson at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Lansing, IA. They farmed together in Center Township in rural Waukon. Burnell also worked for Rogness Logging, Midland Feed Store, Tri County Disposal, and Allamakee Solid Waste and Recycling before retiring in 2016.

He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Waukon. Burnell enjoyed hunting, fishing on his pontoon, visiting with friends and neighbors, tractor rides, taking pictures, mowing his lawn, and watching deer and birds from his deck. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Burnell enjoyed traveling with Anita to Branson and taking other trips with his brother-in-law Rodney Olson. He had a pomeranian named Abby that was always with him right up to the end.

Survivors include his wife Anita Sorum of Waukon; his children: Maureen Sorum, Eric (LaVonne Martie) Sorum, and Aaron Sorum, all of Waukon; four grandchildren: Michelle and Sara Goeke, Renae Leuchtenmacher, and Chase Sorum; two great-grandchildren: Hailey Dinatalli and Alix Goeke; brothers- and sisters-in-law: Linda Lou Sorum of Waukon, Jim (Aggie) Olson and Rodney Olson, both of Lansing, and Judy (Robert) Iseli of Waukon. He is preceded in death by his parents; a brother LaVerne; two sisters-in-law: Kay and Joyce Olson; two brothers-in-law Curtis and George Olson; and his father and mother-in-law Evelyn "E.B." and Hulda Olson.

Casketbearers are Pat Nelson, Dean Jackson, Chase and David Sorum, Clarence Borntrager, and Floyd Leuchtenmacher.