Wayland Vernon Sorensen

Wayland Sorensen
Annabella, Utah

Wayland Vernon Sorensen, 96, passed away June 10, 2021 at his son’s home in Annabella, Utah. He was born May 23, 1925 in High Boy, Utah (Bingham Canyon), to Francis and Emma Elizabeth Southerland Couch. He was one of six children. After his father abandoned the family, the children were placed by social services. He was 9 years old when he was adopted by Levi and Ethel Elnora Sorensen of Aurora, Utah.

Dad spent his time working on the family farm. According to Dad, he and his friends were little rebels. They were always in trouble for their mischief.

After graduating from North Sevier High School, he enlisted in the Army. He proudly served his country in Northern France, Ardennes, and the Rhinland areas. He was honorably discharged when he left the service.

When Dad returned from the war, he continued working on the family farm. He met the love of his life, Norma Rae Savage and they were married November 25, 1946. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti Temple.

Dad and Mom built their home in Vermillion, Utah. They raised their three children there. Dad farmed and worked at the U.S. Gypsum plant. They sold the farm and he went to work for the post office in Richfield and later in Las Vegas, Nevada.

After Norma Rae passed away in October 2018, Wayland continued to live in their home in Las Vegas. In January 2020 he came to live with his son in Annabella.

Wayland is survived by his son, Derril V. (Stephanie) Sorensen; and daughter, Lanora Kaye (Frank) Mutz; sister Peggy Becker; 7 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren with 2 more coming this summer.

Preceded in death by both sets of parents; wife; daughter, Cheri Lee Rosequist; brothers: William Couch, Keith Sorensen; sisters: Evelyn (Verl) Smith, Mildred (Harold) Cameron, Barbara Ruth (Maurice) Burton; brother-in-law, Donald Becker.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Zion’s Way for the loving care they gave to Dad. They kept him laughing and dancing to the end.

Cremation services to be held in the Magleby Mortuary Crematory. Memorial services will be held Friday, June 18, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in the Annabella Cemetery with military honors by the Sevier Valley American Legion Post #37 and Utah Honor Guard. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com