Colleen Sorenson

Colleen Sorenson, 84, of Indianola passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Services will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Milo. Interment will follow at the Milo I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Monday, February 26, 2024, from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Colleen’s family to be designated at a later date.

Colleen was born on March 21, 1939, to John Leroy and Edna (Banks) Willis. She grew up in Cainsville, Missouri. She met Alvin Sorenson, and the couple was married on June 28, 1959. The young couple were blessed with three children: Becky, Gail, and Kent. Colleen and Alvin began dairy farming as a newlywed couple, always working side by side, they made the best of lean times as they raised their family. Moving to Des Moines and soon after making their home in Indianola. Colleen and Alvin both worked for the Indianola School District. She worked for 20 years as a bus driver and enjoyed every moment making a difference in children’s lives.

Colleen touched the hearts of many people with her warm personality and kind spirit. Her love for animals was evident, especially with her dog, "Larry." She had an incredible sense of humor, always ready to tell a joke or even play a prank. She could even be a bit ornery. She was known for pinching people's fingers as a sign of affection. Colleen was a people person and would do anything for anyone and had a very caring soul.

In her spare time, Colleen loved to read. She had a deep faith and spent countless hours reading the Bible. She enjoyed doing ceramics and crafts and had several TV programs she would enjoy watching as well. 

Colleen's family was very important to her, and she loved to have them over. Her homemade bread was amazing, and she could really make up a wonderful batch of potato salad. She used just the right amount of mustard and red onions.

The last few years she went to work with her son every day. She enjoyed this immensely. Not only did Colleen get to spend this time with him, but she was always engaging with people; everyone was drawn to her. She genuinely cared for others and what they had to say. Employees and customers enjoyed seeing her at work.

Colleen will be dearly missed by her children: Becky (Mike) Bowlin, Gail (Mike) Barrell, and Kent (Shawnee) Sorenson; grandchildren: Jeremy, Michelle, Josh, James, Makala, Madelynn, Noah, Samantha, and Chloe; many great grandchildren; and her brother, Leroy Willis.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Al; sister, Eva Mathis; brothers, Clayton Willis and Marvin Willis; grandson, Kent Sorenson; and nephew Marc Willis

Colleen Sorenson's legacy of love and laughter will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her. May she rest in peace knowing she was deeply cherished by all who had the privilege of crossing paths with this remarkable woman.