Rhode Ferdinand Sorenson, 96

Rhode Ferdinand Sorenson, of Stevens Point, passed away in the comfort of his own home on Aug. 2, 2025, at the age of 96.

Rhode was born June 5, 1929, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, son of the late Rhode R. and Mary (née Shomberg) Sorenson. When he was 2, Rhode’s family relocated to Stevens Point, where he attended and graduated from local schools.

Following high school, Rhode attended Chicago Technical College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, graduating in 1955. During that time, he also enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean Conflict. Upon graduating from college, Rhode worked for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for 34 years. He served as a highway construction and design engineer, a construction supervisor, and district chief of materials engineer, retiring in 1989.

On Sept. 21, 1953, Rhode married Grace Pasholk at St. Adalbert Catholic Church in Rosholt. Their marriage welcomed five children, and Rhode was a dedicated husband and father until Grace’s passing in 1982.

Rhode lived an active life and was a proud member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion. He enjoyed fishing, golf, traveling, and nearly any activity that kept him busy. He also found great joy in giving back to the community and served as a “Big” for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

He is survived by his sons, James (Elaine) of Stevens Point, Michael of Amherst, and Kenneth of Idaho; his daughters, Sandra of Stevens Point and Angela (Jim) Dinkins of Plover; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by four sisters, Ione Hetzer, Rosemary, Annette, and Cindy (Gary) Rutkowski.

Rhode was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Grace; his parents, Rhode R. and Mary; a brother, Eugene Sorenson; sisters, Fay Jakusz and Benita Flora; and a grandchild, Jason Sorenson.

For those wishing to express their sympathies, the family kindly suggests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program in Rhode’s honor.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1709 Wyatt Ave., Stevens Point. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories on Thursday at the church from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., with a general rosary at 10:30. Burial will follow at Guardian Angel Cemetery in Stevens Point.

Shuda Funeral Chapel is honored to be assisting the family.