Obituaries

I met John in 2013 right before I transitioned to the Reserve from active duty. I have more stories about John than I can put on this form. In 2015 we went on AT together, along with our CO, Capt. Elizabeth Zimmermann, to NATO (Italy and Romania). John wasn't allowed to drive according to our CO, because he "drives like a granny". I'll always remember going on runs through the Romanian mountains outside our hotel with him. He would use that as an excuse to get away from his Army roommate who was "one of the worst smelling people" he had ever encountered. The locals warned us that bears would attack runners, but we ignored them. We probably got lucky. When I commissioned in 2021, John rendered me my first salute. When I handed him his silver dollar, he pulled me in and said "we'll serve together again". It saddens me that we never will. I'll always remember John as a born deckplate leader. He was already a Chief even when he was still a 2nd Class. He was warm and approachable. Always. His Wisconsin accent seemed to put the more junior Sailors at ease. Even though we were peers for the vast majority of the time we knew each other (we made 1st Class the same year), I always considered John not just a friend, but a mentor as well. He convinced me to join the Navy Reserve in the first place instead of leaving the Navy altogether, stay in and eventually he encouraged me to submit a commissioning package. I owe my entire career to John Sorensen. I'll miss those drill day lunches at The Full Moon Restaurant outside of Naval Station Great Lakes. Next time I eat there, I'll add extra pepper in John's honor. The man loved his pepper. Shipmate, you will be missed. We have the watch. 

John was one of the most wonderful people I've ever met. Both of my kids had Mr. Sorenson as their high school band teacher and they both adored him. He fostered an atmosphere of excellence with the band students and they lived up to it and grew as individuals and as musicians. He was simultaneously challenging and encouraging, as well as fun. It was amazing to see the positive effect he had with all of the students and they played some very difficult music extremely well. The whole high school band loved and respected him and would do anything for him. He was one of the best examples of servant leadership that I've ever seen. We were honored to know him. Our thoughts and prayers are with John's family, friends, and students during this difficult time.

John and I served together at Navy Band Great Lakes. I enjoyed performing with him Ceremonial Band and Big Band Trumpet Section. I remember when the Ceremonial Band was stuck in traffic on I 90/94 in downtown Chicago, John held up a sign "HONK IF YOU LOVE JESUS!" He always kept us laughing. You will be missed. See you on the other side. MU1 Craig Shadday, USN (ret.)

Every once and a while, a fellow comes along that clearly stands out as a person we would all love to be like. A person who genuinely cares more about your situations than his own. One that listens, smiles and waits patiently to respond and with wonderful advice and warmth. A person that is connected to so many different groups of people and mostly because you wanted to be around him. A family man that worked hard to do the right thing. I could go on and on, but as you read the hundreds of condolences, you get the picture with goose bumps and hair standing up in amazement. John, you touched me deeply in our talks at work, watching you teach the young musicians and blowing those horns at the many music events I had the great pleasure to witness. John, you will be sadly missed by 1000's of people but we all have a small part of you in us. Thank you for that John! And he would definitely respond "my pleasure ". RIP my friend.

Words cannot express the loss felt by myself and the Navy community. I was lucky enough to have served with him both at Great Lakes and the community outreach unit in Tennessee. He was a friend, a mentor, and a leader that I looked up to. A very kind and helpful soul. My condolences to all the friends and family grieving at this time. He will be missed.

I had the pleasure of serving with Chief Sorensen while I was Executive Officer of the Navy Reserve Unit, NPASE-MW. I think he joined the unit as an E5, although he certainly had the experience and maturity to handle the responsibility of a Sailor at a higher rate. John was a natural leader. And none of us were surprised that he was a popular and successful high school teacher. Finding people who want to serve has always been a challenge. And finding someone with John’s ability and skills was the Navy’s gain. I asked John why someone like him would raise his hand to serve his country, again. Especially since he had a demanding, important civilian career educating youth. And since he had already served his country as an active-duty Sailor. And since he probably had little spare time with his family and community commitments. His simple answer will remain as an inspiration to me. He said, “A long time ago, a shipmate and I had a mutual goal to make Chief. And I think when you make a goal, you owe it to yourself and others to honor that commitment.” And of course, John earned his anchors. And like any good Chief, he achieved his goal not only for a personal sense of accomplishment, but also to be in the best position to mentor Sailors and Officers. Which he did with gusto. His premature end is a sad, tragic loss. All of us – students, shipmates, friends & family – are lucky to have known him. I’ll mourn him for a long time; however, Chief Sorensen will inspire me for a lot longer.

SAN DIEGO - Midwest Detachment of Navy Public Affairs Support Element Unit on the well deck of the USS Makin Island (LHD 8). A US Navy amphibious assault ship.

My condolences to all of John’s friends and family. I knew John through the Navy. Affectionately nicknamed “Admiral” because of his commanding yet easy presence, John reluctantly entertained our fun, but deep down I know he resented the nickname because he loved being “The CHIEF” and he was a damn good one! We will miss him, but his l legacy will never leave us.

Then-U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Sorensen by a USN Assault Craft Unit (ACU) after getting underway on Lake Michigan for training with Navy Public Affairs Support Element - Midwest, Great Lakes, Illinois, August 2014.

Former U.S. Navy Band musician and Mass Communication Specialist Chief Petty Officer John Sorensen’s passing is so shocking and saddening. He was kind, reliable, good-natured and held a quiet assurance about himself -- the type of person a Sailor could go to for help and guidance and be met with patience and a willingness to make it happen; I was not surprised at all he made CPO. While with Navy Public Affairs Support Element-Midwest back around summer 2014, he and wife Karen generously invited our whole NPASE-Midwest team to their home in Kenosha, WI, one drill wknd evening. As we stepped into the backyard, an "oasis" greeted us — one of the best backyard staycation setups I’ve ever seen. He was the consummate artist, I’d say. We wanted to hang out every Saturday eve of a DWE there:-) At that same get together, I saw the Sorensen home filled with cool artwork with nods to music, instruments and album covers. I admired that John taught high school band — always the mentor! He must have been beloved by his students; I’m sorry for their loss as well. Another good time was getting "underway" on Lake Michigan on an ACU with the NPASE-MW team in August 2014 when we had a VIP visiting. Then-MC2 Sorensen helped capture photos; one of him after that is attached. I see the last text conversation we had ended not on Navy business but him asking whether I brought my flute on my most recent mobilization in 2020 like I did in Afghanistan and how my youngest daughter liked learning playing the flute as well -- via COVID video lessons online! He had said his MC video work experience came in handy for his own music instruction over the internet, making use his two professional skills. That's a great memory to keep:-) To his family: My heart is with you; I pray for peace, strength and comfort in the days to come. God bless. "Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul rest in peace." Condolences to our Navy Public Affairs and band communities. #LetTheTrumpetSound

Karen and family, my heart is pained to hear of John's passing. I am sending prayers of comfort for you all and have no dpubt, that his wonderful soul has been received by the angels that have passed before him. Please know you are in my thoughts especially during these challenging times.

The Three Amigos

Mr Sorensen was a student teacher when I was in band. He was a kind, smiling soul who really loved helping us make music. I also knew him as the stepdad of my friend , Erin. I remember their house being a warm and welcoming place to be. Hugs to you, Erin, Mrs. Sorensen, and the rest of the family. Please know there must be hundreds of former students, just like me, whose lives he blessed. Quite a legacy.

So heartbroken at the loss of Mr. Sorensen, my kids ADORED him in HS and my 7th grader couldn't wait to have him as a future band teacher from knowing him during bandfest. He always had a smile on his face and really knew how to interact and have fun with the students. He was admired by all. What a huge loss for our community and all the kids who's lives he impacted in such a positive way - he will be remembered always! Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

The world has lost a truly lovely person. So many fond memories of John from LB. Many prayers for his family during this most difficult time.

I am so sorry that John passed away..Jim is also sad. He cannot make it to UWP because he is not doing very well presently. John was a wonderful person, musician & teacher. Gone too soon. SUSAN

John ALWAYS made people laugh!

Always was into sports!

Mr. Tuba

I remember working with John in the Navy Band at Great Lakes. We played in the Brass Quintet together and MU2 Sorenson was our unit leader for a couple of years. We also played in the Showband and of course Ceremonial/parade band for Recruit Graduations each week. John was a good Drum Major and conductor too. He passed on way too young and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. I hope he has "Fair winds and Following Seas" in heaven. Miss you already John, MUC John Gervais and MU2 Christy Gervais

Condolences to John’s family, colleagues and all the students he taught over the years. He was my private trumpet instructor in the late ‘90’s and I learned so much from him. I frequently think about John when I pick up my horn. May he rest peacefully.

I am so honored to have been a student of Mr. Sorensen. Some of my fondest memories are from high school band activities. My thoughts and prayers are with the Family.

So heartbroken at the loss of Mr. Sorensen, my kids ADORED him in HS and my 7th grader couldn't wait to have him as a future band teacher from knowing him during bandfest. He always had a smile on his face and really knew how to interact and have fun with the students. ? He was admired by all. What a huge loss for our community and all the kids who's lives he impacted in such a positive way - he will be remembered always! Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. ??

It was a pleasure to know John from Wilmot and to care for him recently at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital. My thoughts are with the family during such a difficult time.