Bernard L. "Bub" Sorenson

Bernard L. "Bub" Sorenson, age 91, of Kimberly, died Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Meadowbrook at Appleton while surrounded by family. 

Bub was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on October 1, 1935, to Lloyd and Dolores (Bleske) Sorenson. He graduated from Eau Claire Memorial High School in 1953 before answering the call to serve his country in the United States Army, which he proudly served until his honorable discharge. He later joined the United States Navy Seabees as a reservist and retired after 20 years of service. Bub also dedicated 30 years of his professional life to the United States Department of Defense. 

Bub found his greatest joy in traveling the world through military “hops”. For decades he traveled alone and visited all parts of the world. Eventually, he purchased a home in Pattaya City, Thailand, and enjoyed many years there as he traveled back and forth from his Florida residence. 

If you knew him, then you knew about his unmatched stories that included his many brushes with death; from being beaten up by a big Russian bully in defense of his neighbor’s honor, to being hospitalized for weeks after tumbling over a mountain cliff in Cebu while avoiding being run over by the same bus that was supposed to pick him up. At 86 years old, and while still driving a Honda 50cc scooter, he broke 7 ribs after driving it down his son’s backyard driveway and launching himself Evil Knievel-style into the Fox River. He had earned his senior high school nickname “The Wild One” after Marlon Brando’s motorcycle riding, leather clad, anti-authoritarian movie character of the same name. Bub’s favorite jacket was a replica of what Jon Voight wore in the 1969 movie, Midnight Cowboy. If you haven’t seen it, please “Google” the film’s premise and you’ll understand why it was his pride and joy of outerwear (even at church). People often say that their life story is worthy of a book, but Bub’s life could be a Pulitzer Prize contender for General Non-Fiction. 

Bub is survived by his son, Bernie, Jr. (Lindsay) of Kimberly, WI, granddaughters Caitlynn (Jess) Harlan-Gehl, Kelsea Gehl, Isabella Gehl, Kalli Henke, and his sister Mary Worthen. He has two beautiful, great grandchildren in Milo and Emmersyn, who affectionately called him, “Grandbubba”.

 He was preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and Dolores Sorenson; siblings Rodney Sorenson, Lloyd “Smokie” Sorenson, Jr., Carol Horstman, Jenny Sorenson, and Laura "Tootie" Sorenson. 

A private memorial service and interment will be held at a later date at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.