Janet L Sorensen

We celebrate the life and Memory of Janet Sorensen Today

Janet Laureen Mary (Hoch) Sorensen (Jan), of Audubon, Iowa, passed away at the age of 83 years, 8 months, 11 Days. She passed away peacefully in her home, in the presence of her loving children, on Wednesday, May 20th, 2026. Janet was born on September 9, 1942, in Knoxville, Iowa, to Gilbert and Colletta Hoch. She was the middle of eleven siblings. Janet was baptized in the Catholic Church in Knoxville, IA. She lived most her younger Life in Melcher-Dallas, Iowa. Until meeting her husband, Elvin (Al) Sorensen.

On November 12, 1960, Janet was united in marriage to Elvin (Al) Sorensen at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Audubon, Iowa. As they started their family together, Janet and Al lived a few places around Audubon, Iowa before, Settling in Audubon with their three children.

Janet stayed home and babysat for other children while caring for her own, until her own children started attending school. She then worked for several businesses around the area, until Casey’s General Store came to Audubon. Which was one of the things she is best known for, that and her friendly face and generous heart. She was one of Casey’s 1st employees. A lot of the kids that came in called her MOM along with many other patrons who came into the Store. She worked for Casey’s for 31 years, until retiring in 2006.

Along with work, Janet taught Sunday school and was a leader for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in Audubon. She was also a member of the Woman’s American Legion and a member of the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Audubon. Janet loved being a member of the Audubon Community and volunteered her time and efforts, and baked goods to several causes and organizations.

There were so many things Janet enjoyed in life, but nothing more than her children, Grandchildren, Great grandchildren, and Great-Great Grandchildren. Family was always first in her life next to her deep religious faith. She loved bringing her family to the St Patrick Dinner, sometimes having as many as 30 family members join her (this always meant so much to her). One of her Greatest Joys of all time was all the Grandma Hugs she could get and give (there was nothing better to her).

At one time Janet had a Trucker hat collection that surpassed anything she ever thought it could be, having over 400 Hats. Jan also collected Angels. She had over 150 Angels that she has now shared with Family and Friends as they visited with her in her final weeks. But in her spare time, she enjoyed fishing at farm ponds and lakes with her kids and grandkids. And she also had what it took to out-fish them sometimes. She always said she did not care if she caught anything, it was just nice being there. She often said...” it is not catching...It is fishing” Son. She was an avid bowler a high Score of 289 and bowled in many leagues in Audubon and Manning over the years. She enjoyed her many trips to Branson with friends and one year took all her kids with her. Janet loved playing BINGO, whether it was on Zoom with her sisters and nieces, local bingo, or the yearly trips to Tama. Janet also loved to Playing Cards, working Jigsaw Puzzles, and Her newest Hobby of Diamond Art.

She always wanted her children and Grandchildren to know She loved them with her whole heart. She counted her life as a true Blessing with all her Family and Friends in it.

Janet was preceded in death by Her husband Elvin (Al) Sorensen, Her Parents Gilbert and Colletta Hoch, AL’s Parents Raymond and Helen Sorensen, Several Sisters, Brothers, In-Laws

Janet is survived by Her Children, Raydene and Steve Mathisen of Audubon, IA, Raymond (Ray) and June Sorensen of Harlan, IA, Garold (Gird) and Lori Sorensen of Carroll, IA. 17 Grandchildren, 23 Great Grandchildren, 1 Great-Great Grandchild, Sisters, Brothers, In-laws, Nieces, Nephews and Many Friends

I leave you with this one request, when you think of me. “Trust in the Lord. Remember the good times. Be happy and don’t cry for me.”

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2026, 2at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Audubon, IA, with Fr David Nkrumah as the Celebrant. Interment will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery following the Mass. A luncheon will be held at the St. Patrick Parish Hall in Audubon following the interment.

Visitation with the family will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Audubon.

Memorials may be directed to the Jan Sorensen Family. They will be designated at a later date in her memory and may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 201, Audubon, IA 50025.

Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Audubon is entrusted with the arrangements.