David J. Sorensen

Age 67 of Wilmington, Illinois, passed away Sunday evening, September 29, 2024 at Miller Healthcare Center in Kankakee, Illinois, following a brief battle with cancer.

Born on July 3, 1957, in Joliet, Illinois, David Joe was the son of Joseph M. and Alice M. (Bishop) Sorensen. He grew up in rural Wilmington, where he developed his love for farming and the outdoors. A graduate of Wilmington High School, Class of 1975, Dave dedicated his life to farming and working alongside his father at Sorensen Trucking. While he took on carpentry work over the years, his true passion was always tied to the land and the farm.

Dave’s roots in the community ran deep. Raised in the Ritchey United Methodist Church, he later transferred to the First United Methodist Church of Wilmington. He was not only a man of faith but also a man of dedication and perseverance, admired by many for his work ethic and generosity.

A lifelong collector of tractors, Dave was especially fond of two-cylinder John Deere models, spending countless hours restoring and painting them to perfection. He had a wealth of knowledge on tractors and could talk endlessly about them, sharing his expertise and passion with anyone who would listen. His other hobbies included a love for trains, riding his motorcycle, and, in earlier years, boating and enjoying time at Lake Shelbyville.

However, above all else, Dave’s greatest joy and source of pride was his family. He cherished every moment spent with his children and grandchildren, creating lasting memories through his stories, laughter, and love. His legacy of kindness, commitment, and devotion will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his children: Nikki (Ben) Parsons of Clinton, Mississippi, Kurt Sorensen of Manteno, Illinois, Jeremy Sorensen of Wilmington and Corina (Ross) Feekes of Sioux Center, Iowa; seven grandchildren: Jadyn, Gage, Luke, Ryan, Audrey, Nolan and Raelynn; one sister, Debbie Sorensen Tennant (Jim Green) of Wilmington; aunts and uncle: June Jacque of Wilmington and Hubert (Ann) Bishop of Manteno, and several cousins, as well as his former wife and the mother of his children, Janet (Ouwenga) Sorensen of Manteno.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, and niece and nephew: Sara and Eric Tennant.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Friday, October 4, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until time of remembrance, 6:00 p.m. Pastor Lou Bury will officiate, and Dave will be laid to rest privately.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Dave’s memory to his family for their distribution.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Dave’s memorial page online through social media.

Cremation and memorial services have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)