• In Memory Of

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Joan Ann Buser Sorensen

Lincoln, Nebraska

07/05/1931 - 10/25/2020

Joan Ann Buser Sorensen, 89 of Lincoln, Nebraska died on October 25, 2020 in her home. She was born in Sabetha, KS on July 5,1931, the only child of Victor and Catherine McCarthy Buser of Seneca, Kansas. She was a member of the Cathedral of the Risen Christ parish in Lincoln.

Joan attended elementary school at St. Peter and Paul’s in Seneca. She attended junior high in Marysville, Kansas and high school at Guardian Angel in West Point, Nebraska. On Nov. 27, 1954, Joan married Paul F. W. Sorensen in West Point. They were blessed with three children: Mark Sorensen, Petaluma, California, Mari Wanninger (David), Windsor, Missouri, and Michelle Keuten (John), Lincoln, Nebraska. Paul and Joan were married 42 years before he died in 1997.

As a young woman, Joan worked with her parents in their hotel in West Point. When her children were young, she was a stay-at-home mom and homemaker. As the children progressed through school, she started working as a hostess. Eventually, she and Paul ran a restaurant together and later managed a motel in Salina, Kansas for ten years. She was the bookkeeper for the carpet cleaning business they ran with John and Michelle until they retired, when Paul became ill.

Joan was a devoted daughter, wife and mother. Her family was her life. She was extremely close to her parents. After Paul died she moved back to Seneca and lived across the street from her mother. They were best friends and enjoyed their time together.

Joan adored her eight grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. Although the extended family lived throughout the country, she kept each of their pictures close and loved nothing more than hearing about the children and their accomplishments.

Joan took pleasure in the very simple things in life. Nothing made her happier than sharing time with her family. She loved to play cribbage and challenged her grandchildren. She was the family cribbage champ. Joan belonged to Red Hat clubs in Seneca and then later in Lincoln. The grandchildren remember her cheerful laugh and warm presence that made them feel happy and loved.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband. She is survived by her three children, grandchildren: Nichole Sorensen Walker (Bert), and their five children: Stephanie Sorensen Cerruti (Brian) and their three children; Kai Sorensen (Lindsay) and their two children, Pam Sorensen Blazo (Brett) and their three children; Garon Keuten (Amy), Jory Keuten, Devin Mirfasihi and Tori Mirfasihi Scheve (Jarod).

Visiitation will be Friday, November 6 at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Joan will lie in state at Lauer Funeral Home on Friday, November 6, 2020 for public viewing and to sign the book; the family will not be present that day.

A rosary will be prayed prior to the Mass which will be celebrated on Saturday, November 7 at 10:00 am at St. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church.

Memorial contributions can be made to Saint Peter and Paul’s School in Seneca, Kansas.

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9 Comments

  1. Debbie Stallbaumer on October 29, 2020 at 9:17 am

    Please accept my sympathy. I met your mother when her mother and my aunt were in the same care facility here in Seneca. Your mother was a sweet, caring lady. May she rest in peace.

    • Mari wanninger on November 4, 2020 at 8:35 pm

      Thank you so much!

      • Ann McCarthy Gephart on November 5, 2020 at 7:49 pm

        Mari and Michele’
        We are with you in spirit in Seneca. I wish were could travel.
        I talked with Joan after my sisters Marys death last Dec. The 4 cousins were so Close all born 1931 Joan,Patty,Mary and Junior. Some
        of my best family times were at Uncle Vics and Aunt Catherines.

        Love and prayers to the family.
        Ann McCarthy Gephart and Ron
        Gephart.

        • Mari wanninger on November 6, 2020 at 6:22 pm

          Thank you, Ann. She was hoping to see you the next time you came this way. She loved all of her McCarthy family so much!

  2. Alan & Julie Lierz on October 30, 2020 at 8:17 am

    Joan lived across the street from us here in Seneca, and we enjoyed our visits with her from time to time. She was a friendly, outgoing woman, who seemed to be full of life! Sending our deepest sympathy to her family.

    • Mari wanninger on November 4, 2020 at 8:36 pm

      Thank you so much!

  3. PEGGY SCHARFENBERG on October 31, 2020 at 5:40 pm

    I can’t believe we’ve lost our two best friends from Macomb. It is a family loss for all of us.
    We would be there if it weren’t for Covid. Thinking of you.

  4. Mari wanninger on November 4, 2020 at 8:37 pm

    Love you and your family, Peggy. We can feel your love!

  5. Jill D Roby on November 7, 2020 at 8:57 pm

    I am sorry we did not get there to see Joan and your family as we were planning to do. People get so caught up with their lives, and now being told not to do things because of Covid is just making life’s decisions more confusing. I have put on my facebook “If you’re afraid to live your life because you might die, then you’ve already died.” which seems like something we should all stop and think about. Jesus never taught us to be fearful.. Now I am so sorry we didnt just get there sooner…
    Growing up around your family in Macomb was a true blessing to me. Your Mom and Dad will always have a special place in my heart, and I will cherish the memories I have of them being such good friends with my parents, and always so good to me.

    https://youtu.be/6OFv566mj7s

    This is a link to a song . It was my Dad’s birthday (he had passed away a couple years before) and I had worked like 15 hours that day. I didnt have time to really think about him all day because I had been so busy. When I got to my car I was thinking…I’m sorry Dad, I know its your birthday and I pretty much missed it because of work. I was sad thinking how he loved the beauty of this world and I had been stuck in a building all day unable to look at the trees, or lakes, or any of the things he always pointed out to me. Rainbows always reminded me of him because of the colors..and his love of art. So, thinking all these things and driving home in the dark…sad. Missing him…turned on the radio and this song comes on. I had never heard it before. It brought me so much joy because I knew he was feeling my pain and wanted me to know he was there…I hope you can listen carefully to it, and feel the same kind of joy.

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