Harold C. Sorenson
April 1, 1940- March 20, 2025
Harold Curtis Sorenson, 84, of Forsyth began his new life on the first day of Spring, March 20, 2025. He passed peacefully at Rosebud Health Care Center with his wife and kids at his side.
Harold was born April 1st, 1940, in Glasgow, MT to Lloyd and Agnes (Stein) Sorenson. He graduated from Opheim High School in 1958 and was drafted into the US Army in 1959. After serving 2 years in the military, he returned to Opheim where he met his wife Elsie (Korb). They were married in 1961 in the newly built St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Malta. After their wedding, Harold and Elsie resided in Malta where their children were born. They made lasting friendships and good memories during their time in Malta.
Harold’s life was one of agriculture and business. Harold sold life insurance, farm and ranch real estate, automobiles, and farm machinery. He was a master of buying, selling, and trading and knew a good deal when he saw it. Business continued when the family moved to Billings in 1978.
When his sons, David and Robert, were big enough to reach the steering wheel, they joined Harold in establishing Sorenson Farms. They worked side by side. Harold had high expectations and instilled in them a strong work ethic.
Harold and Elsie owned farmland in Valley, Phillips, and Rosebud counties before moving to the Forsyth community where they spent nearly forty years developing a prosperous irrigated farming operation. Harold’s son-in-law Layton became a partner in the operation in 1990. Though his farming and ranching were successful, Harold was most proud of his family.
Harold and Elsie moved to the Villa in 2014. The move to town was an unexpected positive change. They enjoyed the friends and neighbors who stopped for a cup of coffee and maybe even talked about politics. Another benefit of town life was meeting with the Rusty Zippers for coffee. Harold often assured his family that he loved their new and peaceful environment.
Harold’s hobbies included bowling, flying, playing cards, boating, cooking, and golf. Harold and Elsie started each day with a cup of coffee, a deck of cards, and a cribbage board. The outcome of their three games starting around 6 a.m. each morning set the mood for the day. They started playing for “a buck a game” but eventually switched to keeping track with a tally sheet. After 24,100 games, Harold was ahead by four.
Harold was patriotic. He proudly displayed the American flag outside his front door and brought it inside at the end of each day. Harold asked the music ministry at church if they could sing “God Bless America” occasionally. They began singing it one Sunday each month. For many years, Harold and Elsie hosted a 4th of July pig roast on Hammond Valley Road. It was a fun event attended by people from miles around.
Harold and Elsie visited Europe, went on several cruises, and loved their trips to Wendover with close friends.
Harold is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elsie, daughter Karla (Layton) Salsbery, sons David (Christa) Sorenson and Robert (Gina) Sorenson, all residing in Forsyth; their eldest “son” Babes (Toni) Bishop of Malta; and his sister Linda (Al) Gruver of Casper, WY.
Harold was blessed with fourteen grandkids (ages 8 to 49), twelve great-grandkids, and one great-great-granddaughter.
Harold is preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter Leslie Ann, sister Marjorie Tonkin, daughter in-law Tammy Sorenson, and granddaughter Melissa McGregor.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Friday March 28, 2025
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Vigil Service
6:30 pm
Friday March 28, 2025
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Mass of Christian Burial
10:30 am
Saturday March 29, 2025
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Rite of Committal
Following the Funeral Mass
Saturday March 29, 2025
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Friday March 28, 2025
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Vigil Service
6:30 pm
Friday March 28, 2025
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Mass of Christian Burial
10:30 am
Saturday March 29, 2025
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Rite of Committal
Following the Funeral Mass
Saturday March 29, 2025
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Share
Elaine Egeland says
Elsie and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. He was such a fun and friendly guy and he really will be missed by so many.
Zane McCausland says
Elsie and family. We’re so sorry to hear about Harold’s passing. I always looked forward to listening to his stories in the garage after one of our hunting excursions. What a great man! He will definitely be missed!
Love, Zane and Tracy
Garth Lee says
Just knew Harold by phone!
He was dedicated to the Forsyth farming & ranching community!
clenora Quinlan says
Well so sorry to hear this, such a fun, loving guy. We feel for all of his family
Lynelle Tompkins says
So sorry to see this. Harold was always fun to help when he’d come to N.A.P.A for parts. We all knew there would be great conversation and debates. He had such a love for his family, farm and the community. He’ll be missed, gone but never forgotten.
John Pachl says
My sincere condolences. May God’s loving arms embrace him.
John and Marsha Kuykendall says
I am proud to have called Harold my friend. Elsie, Marsha and I want you to know we are praying for you and your family.
Lynn Waller says
I am so sorry. Harold was a great person. He will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to the family!
Jen Loomis says
Oh Elsie and family, I am so sorry to read this. You are all in my thoughts and prayers
Michelle Fahrenbruck says
Elsie, Rob, Karla, Dave and families. Harold was such a wonderful person. He will be missed by all who knew him. Prayers for your families during this difficult time.
Dynella fennern says
Elsie and family: We would like to extend our sympathy to you. We didn’t know Harold well, but I’m sure he will be missed by many.
Gil and Dynella Fennern
Sue Mestad says
Elsie, Karla, Rob, Dave and all of your families ~ I am so very sorry to learn of Harold’s passing. He was such a nice man who will be missed by all who knew him. He told some great stories! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Sandi Van Pelt says
Elise and family,
So very sorry to hear this. Sending hugs and prayers to you all. He was such a sweet man. Loved his stories.
Pam Hanson says
Elise
So sorry to hear about Harold. He was a friendly guy who was always smiling and always had a nice thing to say to me. Hugs to you and the family.
Terri and Charlie Brown says
Our hearts are hurting as we navigate the news of Harold’s passing. What a tremendous friend! He always had a smile and a hug! Elsie, Robert, Dave, Karla, and families…..hold tight to the memories and may his legacy continue through his family. Love and hugs to you all.
Terri and Charlie
Andrew Schulenberg says
I and all Harold’s coffee Buddies will miss this knowledgeable Man. He was a very great Friend . Charlys and I, send our thoughts and Prayers to Harold’s Family .
Kay McGregor says
Elsie and family: My deepest condolences to all of you. I always enjoyed visiting with Harold. He was such a a nice man. My prayers for you all as you go through these tough days ahead.
Sheila Haselhuhn says
Elsie and family, I am saddened by the passing of Harold. I didn’t know him well, but I knew he was a family man and a friend to all.
Donald John and Alice Cameron says
Elsie and the rest of Harold’s family—We are sorry to hear this news. Harold was an amazing man and a great friend. He will certainly be missed by many. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Donald John and Alice Cameron
Bev Cox says
Elsie and family
Harold left a footprint of kindness to all His smile was very infectious. Our deepest sympathy
Bev and Dave Cox
Bev Cox says
Elsie and family
Harold left a footprint of kindness to all His smile was very infectious. Our deepest sympathy
Dee & Shelly Batey says
Dear Sorenson Family, So sorry to hear about Harold’s passing. He was a good man and an even better friend. Sending prayers to all of you.
Dee and Shelly Batey
Karson and Marie Kluver says
I don’t believe I’ve seen a prouder, or happier Man as when the three all rode in the Forsyth homecoming parade. Thinking of you all, Karson and Marie Kluver
Marcus Belgarde says
Elsie and family, I am so sorry to hear about Harold’s passing, he was such a great and wonder man. I will be praying for you all
Todd and Tracy says
Elsie and family. So sorry for your loss. Always respected Harold’s opinion when I was on the country club board with him. He was a wealth of knowledge and will be missed.
Todd and Tracy
Rene Harrison says
Elsie, Karla, Dave, Rob I am so sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all who love him.
Doug Roberts says
Elsie and Family…I am saddened by Harold’s passing. It was always a pleasure to sit next to him at ball games! He always treated me like one of the family and that made me feel special. He once asked me how things were going at school and I shared with him that I was working through a tough situation. He gave me a short word of advice, “You’ve started it well, make sure you see it through!”. Continued blessings my dear friend.
Lynn Waller says
I am so sad for the family! Harold was a great guy and will be missed by so many!
Carolyn says
Elise and family, I’m so sorry that my dear friend has passed. You all have my blessings and prayers. He will be dearly missed. Love your friend, Bev
Khara Erickson says
Elsie & Family, Harold was one of a kind and will be deeply missed. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Much Love,
Chad & Khara
Robin Stephens says
Harold was such a friendly guy with a great smile. Harold and Elsie crafted a wonderful family. He will definitely be missed—he was just that special. Prayers to his family
Rob Stephens
Kyla Fahrenbruck Rock says
Elsie & Family:
I’m so sorry to hear about Harold’s passing. I will never forget how kind and sweet he was, especially when I worked at the golf course so many years ago. Prayers to you all.
Darlene (LaFond) Cummings says
Harold was such a nice fella, so very sorry for your loss. Elsie , you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May our dear Lord give you solace and peace. RIP Harold, and may Perpetual light shine upon you.
Larry and Susan Matthews says
I’m sorry to hear this. Our prayers are with you Elsie and your families. God bless you all. You’re in our prayers. Larry and Susan Matthews
Kathy Flodin says
Elsie and family you are in my prayers. May your fondest memories bring you peace.
Big hugs and love to you all!
Tim, Deb, Zachery, Drew Davis says
Such heartfelt and saddening news to hear. He was a very caring man and he also, loved the vegetables from our garden. He will always be remembered as Hal and memories will always never be forgotten.
Mike Ferguson says
My condolences, I’m sorry for your loss. Harold had the first cell phone I ever seen in a pickup.That was a lot of years ago, i gave Harold a ride on a D7E building a dike out in the river, so he could get water to his pumps. If I remember right, that ride was real short, he wanted off real quick
Bonnie Hennessy says
Elsie & Family,
So sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. He was a great man and lived a full life. Remember the good times. May he RIP!
Naomi Rusdal says
Elsie and Family
So sorry for your lose– much sympathy,
Love and prayers
Naomi