Donald Ralph Sorlie, Sr., 90, passed away February 2, 2016, at North Shore Community Hospital in Grand Marais with his family at his side.
Donald was born January 14, 1926, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to John and Harriet (Lafayette) Sorlie, Sr. He grew up in St. Paul and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October 1943, serving 2 ½ years as Fireman First Class. He was honorably discharged in April 1946 and settled in the Midwest.
He eventually returned to the Twin Cities and married Esther Rowe on January 29, 1960. They relocated to Mineral Center in the late 1960s. Donald logged throughout Cook County until his retirement, at which time he took a parttime job with Cascade State Park.
Donald loved fishing, hiking, skiing and spending time in the woods, but his primary love was his family.
Donald is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Esther; and his four brothers, John Jr., Richard, Peter and Allen.
He is survived by his son Leif (Jody); son Donald Jr. (Lisa); daughter Mary Ann Jewett (Greg) Erickson; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will take place at 12:00 noon Friday, February 19, 2016, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais. Services will follow at 1:00 p.m.
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