Donald E. Sorenson

Donald E. “Don” Sorenson, 87, lifetime Ellensburg resident, passed away on Sunday, October 6, 2024 at the Willow Springs Care Center in Yakima. Friends are invited to a Celebration of Life reception to honor both Don, and his late wife Sue, starting at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 17 at The Ridge Restaurant in downtown Ellensburg. He will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony at the High Valley Cemetery.

Don was born on September 18, 1937 in Ellensburg to Earl & Martha (Vanderhoff) Sorenson. He grew up in the valley where he participated in the FFA program as a young man before graduating from Ellensburg High School in 1955. 

On June 22, 1957, Don married Sue Hansman and they would spend the next 63 years together as each other's best friends and soulmates. They were blessed with five daughters - Mlynda, Michelle, Melanie, Marnie and Mistie. Over the years the family took many camping trips across the pacific northwest, with Priest Lake/Priest River being one of the favorite destinations.

For most of his working life, Don owned and operated the Nanum Vue Dairy. Despite his grumbling sometimes, he loved getting up early and taking care of his cows and could easily tell you each of their names. As an exceptionally social person, Don had connections with nearly every dairy farmer in the state of Washington. The dairy primarily served as a producer for Darigold but also supplied the Cle Elum Bakery and visitors to the farm with fresh milk. Eventually, Don “semi-retired” when he sold the dairy and farmland, transitioning into politics. 

Don had the distinction of serving as a Kittitas County Commissioner, representing District One, from 1983-1989 and again from 1993-1997. It was sometimes a thankless job, but Don enjoyed the time he spent helping solve the county’s problems. He may not have been the smoothest politician in the world, but you knew that he would never sugarcoat things, nor lie to you, when he approached matters during his time in office. He always tried to put the best interest of the residents of Kittitas County first in all that he did.

In 2000, Don and Sue moved to Montana where they built a home overlooking Lake Koocanusa. As a lover of the outdoors, whether it be hunting, fishing or camping, Don found great peace and comfort living in Montana. Don and Sue returned to Ellensburg in 2015 to be closer to their family. 

Don was a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge and also a volunteer firefighter with Kittitas Fire District 2 (now KVFR) serving out of the Broadview Station. He will be remembered for his quick wit, his love of family and his sense of humor.

Don is survived by his daughters Mlynda (Greg) Pieters of Ellensburg; Michelle (Seth) Weekes of LaCrosse, WA; Melanie (Jim) Hiskey of Easton; Marnie (Desi) Storey of Ellensburg and Mistie (Clinton) Waggoner of Ellensburg; his sister Marlece (Rollie) Horner of Colville; grandchildren Christopher (Lynsey), Courtney, Cassie, Brandi (Francis) Bailey (Randal), Seth, Jr. (Rachael), Taylor (Ben), Jimmy (Robyn), Jenny (Justin), Zac, McKenzie Hansberry, Dustin, Brendan (Natalie) Storey, Audi, Tyrell (Savannah), and Walker; 20 great-grandchildren, four nieces and many cousins. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Sue, in February 2020, as well as his parents.

Memorial contributions in Don’s honor are suggested to the Kittitas County Firefighters Life Support Fund, c/o KVFR, 400 E. Mountain View Ave, Ellensburg. The family would like to thank KVFR for their attentive response and care of Don over the last couple of years.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Ellensburg. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com