Leland ‘Red” Sorenson
Leland “Red” Sorenson, age 94 of Forsyth passed away at the Rosebud Health Care Center Nursing Home. Red was born December 22, 1919 in Myers, Montana, to Frank & Goldie (Tuttle) Sorenson. His parents had four children: LaVerne, Red, Gladys and Frances.
In 1917 Red’s parents moved to the Pease Bottom area, Myers, Montana. In 1920 the family moved to Forsyth. This is where he attended school until he dropped out and went to work at the Draper Coal mines for two years.
Red then enlisted in the Army in February, 1942 in Fort Lewis Washington into the 19th Infantry 24th Division. For the first two years he was in the infantry he was stationed in the Philippines. He heard that his childhood friend and best friend, Tony Seliski was also there, and he went looking for him. While in combat in Limon Leyte Island, on October 20, 1944 he was shot and later received the Purple Heart Medal. He also received the good conduct medal and 3 bronze stars along with several other citations. Before being discharged he served in the New Guinea and Luzon campaigns as well. After being shot, Red spent the rest of his military career in kitchen patrol and was honorably discharged in May, 1945.
After returning home, he worked for ten years at Teepee Ford Motors. Red then bought a service station and auto repair garage. Red was a very skilled mechanic and could fix any vehicle. He said his life was spent on working on cars or driving them.
In November, 1948 Red married Frances Burleson, they had one son, Duane Leland Sorenson. They divorced in 1967.
On June 8, 2009, Red’s son Duane was killed in a plane crash in North Carolina.
As he was getting older, Red moved into the Fountain View Care Center. He really enjoyed living there. After a few years, Red moved into the Rosebud Health Care Center. It has been said that the women used to argue about who got to dance with Red, as he was the best dancer in town. He was also known for always keeping his teeth in his pocket; that way he always knew where they were.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Goldie Sorenson; his son Duane Sorenson; and by his sisters: LaVerne Brumfield, Gladys Kowis, and Frances “Sis” Seliski. Red is survived by his nephews; Ron Brumfield of Forsyth and Richard West of Billings; his niece Jeannie (Seliski) Hullinger of Utah, as well as his Great Nieces, Great Nephews, and his close friend Nancy Buzard and her family.
A great big “Thank You” to Nancy Buzard for watching over Red the last twenty years.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making contributions to the Forsyth VFW.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10 am to 6 pm
Thursday October 2, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 westwind lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday October 2, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 westwind lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
11 a.m.
Friday October 3, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
12:00 p.m.
Friday October 3, 2014
Forsyth Cemtery
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Visitation
10 am to 6 pm
Thursday October 2, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 westwind lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday October 2, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 westwind lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
11 a.m.
Friday October 3, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
12:00 p.m.
Friday October 3, 2014
Forsyth Cemtery
Forsyth, MT 59327
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Barbara Ashley says
I am sadden to hear about Red’s passing. He was quite a character and I was honored to be able to help take care of him when I worked at the VA. God Bless Red and all of his family and friends.
Joan Leinwand says
Sending my condolences. Red always a friendly man. Thankful for his service in WWII .
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Leland “Red” Sorenson – I am sorry to hear of your loss. May you be comforted by the “God of all comfort” who promises to “comfort us in all our tribulations” (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). I hope you find peace in many Bible promises (John 17:3).
Sonny Buckalew says
sorry to hear of Red’s passing,, Red taught me a lot about working on old cars, thanks Red,
DDavis says
My deepest condolences to Red’s family. During the time I spent in Forsyth, he was always a treat encounter. Amazing stories and a heart of gold. Until next time, Red.
MITCHELL WEST says
Uncle Leland may you rest in peace. Thank you for you for your war time service to our nation. Always enjoyed chatting with you and seeing you around Forsyth. As part of your extended family we will miss you. RIP Red