Donnell Sorenson

Donnell Sorenson

California/Formerly of Axtell

Maynard Donnell Sorenson, 85, passed away Saturday, July 7, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. He was born September 20, 1932, the son of Maynard and Vera Oliverson Sorenson. His early youth was spent in Axtell, Utah. He married Jeanene Weed, November 4, 1950. They are the parents of two sons: Steve, of Tonapah, Arizona and Kelly, of Centerfield, Utah. They resided in Los Angeles, California. Jeanene passed away in 2010.

Donnell married Lavon Marie Hoffman Hillesland on February 8, 2012.

Donnell started his career at McDonnell Douglas in Los Angeles, California as a metal finisher. Shortly after that, he started his own business, which grew to 5 businesses in metal finishing including Precious Metal Reel to Reel Finishing all in Los Angeles, which he ran for 65 years. He also was a real estate developer with developments in Scottsdale, Arizona and Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was the owner of office buildings in the Salt Lake City area, most notable the Denver Building which houses the Veterans Administration Offices Complex.

Donnell developed and patented a nozzle system which was used to extinguish the fires at the launch site after launches of the space shuttle, as well as in large power stations and sewer systems.

He was an avid flyer for business and pleasure. He was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association since 1970, as well as a member of the American Bonanza Society. It was fun see Donnell fly over and tip his wings as he buzzed the family farm in Axtell signaling us to drive over and pick him up at the Redmond Airport. Don loved to shoot skeet and was a member of a shooters club. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and made trips home to hunt deer in our canyons with his dad Maynard.

He is survived by his wife, Lavon; Lavon’s daughter, Kim Hillesland, both of Los Angeles; sons: Steve and Kelly; numerous grandchildren; brother, Bill (Debbie) Sorenson, Jerome, ID; sisters: Marnie (Bill) Clawson, Leawood, KS; Laurel (Ray) Christensen, Mayfield, UT; and Robyn (Hal) Hendrickson, Gunnison, UT. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Sheila Sorenson; an infant sister, Karen, and first wife Jeanene.

A private graveside service for the immediate family will be held Saturday, July 21, 2018 in the Gunnison City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com

Donnell will be greatly missed by family and friends alike.