Steven Lyman Sorensen
November 21, 1944 to June 25, 2024
Our wonderful husband, father and grandfather, Steven Lyman Sorensen, passed away on June 25, 2024, only thirteen days after being diagnosed with cancer.
Steven was born on November 21, 1944, in Richfield Utah to James Lyman and Juanita Dastrup Allen Sorensen. He was the youngest of eight children and was raised in Glenwood, Utah. He graduated from Richfield High School and was active in student government and seminary. He loved reminiscing on his youth, working at the Rainbow Café and cruising down Mainstreet in his dad’s car. Steven attended Snow College for two years before serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Central British Mission-England always held a special place in his heart. After his mission, he attended BYU and earned his degree in Elementary Education and later, a Master’s Degree in Administration.
Steven taught school at Academy Park Elementary (5th Grade) for over 25 years. After teaching, he went on to be an active teacher’s advocate, building rep, board member, President of Granite School District teacher’s union, President of the Council of Local Presidents in UEA, UEA Board of Directors and Executive Director for the teachers in Salt Lake, Murray and Tooele school districts. Steven was well respected for his hard work, honesty and integrity. In addition to teaching, Steven also worked a second job at Reams Meat Department in American Fork for 22 years. He always loved the store atmosphere and after retirement from Reams and his teaching endeavors, he went to work at the Nook and Cranny in Lehi, Utah. He loved meeting people as well as finding and selling treasures.
The greatest part of Steven’s life began in January 1967, when he met Phyllis Clare Powell. They were married on August 28, 1968, in the Manti Temple. Steven loved Phyllis fiercely, He was and still is, her best friend and biggest supporter. Throughout both of their careers in education, they were able to work and travel together, seeing many things and meeting many people. They had a wonderful marriage and friendship.
Steven and Phyllis had four children and made their home in American Fork. Never could children have been raised in a better home or with better parents. Steven dedicated his life to his wife and children, always making sure that they were provided for and felt loved. Steven made sure to tell Phyllis that he loved her multiple times a day and told his children and grandchildren each time he saw them; knowing his love for us was never in doubt. He is a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, supporting us in everything and loving us unconditionally. Steven had a great love of animals and especially loved all his dogs and cats over the years-they brought him so much joy. His hobbies were being with his wife and family, his animals, napping, sitting on the porch/deck and eating out. Steven is a true example of hard work, honesty, loyalty, kindness, giving and integrity.
The only thing that brings us comfort in his passing is to know that we will see him again and his love for his parents and siblings-he missed them all so much. We know that he is now with them catching up, teasing his sisters, laughing and probably napping a little. Until we can be with him again, we will go on loving and missing him.
Steven is survived by his wife of 55 years, Phyllis and their four children: Clare (Brent) Padilla, Cheryl Sorensen, Dewain (Monica) Sorensen & Stephanie (Brandon) Sorensen-Walker. His 15 grandchildren: Whitney (John) Padilla-Lange, Meagan Sayer, Audrey (Austin) Edgar, Lynae Padilla, John (Gentry) Padilla and Addie (Colton) Walkenhorst, Rylee (Steven) Unsworth, Brennan Hunt, Jason Hunt, MeKenzee (Savanah) Sorensen, Braylee Sorensen (Cameron), Dom Morales, Alex Walker, Emma Walker, Silas Walker. His 14 great grandchildren: Chance, Ayden, Miles, Bradley, Stevie, Andie, Olive, Roman, Hadley, Maverick, Brooks, Camden, Creighton and Soren. Brother-in-law: Lamont Christensen and many nieces and nephews and their families.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Wendall Allen, Lajuana Allen Funk, Chona Lee Heil, James Sorensen, DonNetta Jorgensen, LarSena Christensen and Larry Sorensen. His dogs, Cooper, Teddy and DeeOjee.
A celebration of life to be held in the near future. A very special thanks to Valeo Hospice and their kind care.