Mardell “Mardy” Elizabeth Sorensen, the daughter of Keith and Edith (Griffin) Martin, was born at her grandparents’ place, southeast of Exira, on February 3, 1929. Mardell passed away at the age of 95 on July 27, 2024, at the Audubon Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her family.
She grew up in the Exira area and graduated from Exira High School with the class of 1946. Mardell was baptized at the Exira Federated Church in 1943 and confirmed at the Exira Lutheran Church in 1949.
On June 20, 1947, she married Marvin Jorgen Sorensen at the Exira Federated Church. Three children were born into this union: Craig “Bub,” Charles “Chuck,” and Jane. After graduation, she worked at Carrie Christensen’s Cafe. She kept books for Marvin’s farming operation and livestock business. Mardell cared for her mother as her mother failed in health. Mardell belonged to the Exira Lutheran Church and the American Legion Auxiliary.
Proceeding her in death were her Husband, Mother and Father, and her Father and mother-in-law, Soren and Violet (Petersen) Sorensen. Her brothers-in-law, Leo and Dale Sorensen, Robert Worthington, and Harold Cochran. Her sisters-in-law are Norma Sorensen and Mildred Cochran. An infant grandchild, Case Wilson, Her cousin Alisfae Martin, and her best friend “sister” Bernie Robinson.
She is survived by her son Craig “Bub” and wife Jan Sorensen of Exira and their children: Brandy and husband Randy Fiebelkorn of Exira, Nichole and husband Bryan Towelerton of Waterloo, Angela and husband Matt Immel of Exira and Dustin and wife Adriana Sorensen of West Des Moines. Her son Charles “Chuck” and wife Connie of Exira and their children: Kevin Sorensen of Henderson, Nevada, Sheri and husband Keith Wede of Round Rock, Texas, and Staci and Chris Johnson of Roach, Missouri. Her daughter Jane and husband Ross Johnson of Bakersfield, California, and their children Jill Johnson of Bakersfield, California, and Ross Johnson Jr. and wife Mary of McAlester, Oklahoma. 26 great-grandchildren and 17 great-great-grandchildren. She is survived by her sisters-in-law, Mona Worthington and Joyce Sorensen of Clear Lake. Many nieces and nephews. She loved them all.
Open visitation with the family will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Exira, IA. A prayer service will also be held at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, with Pastor Kelley Pedersen officiating.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 2, 2024, at Exira Lutheran Church in Exira, IA, with Pastor Kelley Pedersen officiating. Interment will follow at the Exira Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the committal at the Exira Lutheran Church’s reception hall.
Memorials may be directed to the Exira Lutheran Church or the Exira Cemetery Association in memory of Mardy. They may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 201, Audubon, IA, 50025.
Funeral arrangements are handled with the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Exira, IA.
