A celebration of life for Richard L. Sorensen, 73, of Savage will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery. Friends may greet the family one hour prior to the service at the funeral home Saturday. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Richard died Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018, at Veterans Administration Medical Center.

Richard Lyle Sorensen was born Jan. 8, 1945, in Albert Lea, the son of Orla Brooks and LaJune Martha (Ulrich) Sorensen. He grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, and Alden, attending school in Alden. He served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.

On March 21, 1987, Richard was united in marriage to Phyllis Perry Starry at The Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Richard was a firefighter for the Albert Lea Fire Department in his younger years. He went on to be the deputy fire marshal for the state of Minnesota. Richard enjoyed woodworking, fishing and gold mining in Alaska. He loved spending time with his family — especially his grandchildren — as well as traveling and going to the casino.

Richard is survived by his wife, Phyllis; son, Rick Sorensen (Krista), of Farmington; daughter, Renae (Jason Vohnoutka), of Savage; daughter, Rhonda (Doug Olson), of Carver; daughter, Lori (Keith Hoskins), of Pensacola, Florida; son, Bryan Starry, of Minneapolis; grandchildren Alexa (Matt) Eul, Nicolette Sorensen, Madi Vohnoutka, Elli Vohnoutka, Gabi Vohnoutka, Izzi Vohnoutka, Jackson Band, Miranda Cole, Alex Hoskins, Blake Hoskins, Jessika Starry, Madisen Starry, Brad Starry, Tyler Starry, Eli Starry, Cailie Kittelson and Aren Kittelson; brothers Merle “Swede” Sorensen and Russ Sorensen; sisters Karen (Tom Hinkley), Jane (Rodney Michaelson) and Orlene (Gary Rechtzigel); and many nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ardys Ryals; and nephews Darby Sorensen and Wayne Hinkley.