Ralph Sorensen, Jr

Ralph Milton Sorensen, Jr., age 76, of Fortuna, CA passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 27, 2016, at a hospital in Folsom, CA.

On January 21, 1940, Ralph was born in Berkeley, California to the late Ralph M. Sorensen and Alexena B. Sorensen. He was a graduate of Pleasant Hills High School in the Class of 1957; Naval Submarine School in New London, CT; U.S. Naval Nuclear Power School at Mare Island; and Pepperdine University with a Bachelors in Human Resources Management.

Ralph retired as a Lieutenant (Junior Grade) from the Navy after 22 years of service. Having spent most of his military career on submarines, his time included Naval Submarine School (1959), U.S.S. Blackfin SS-322 (1959-1961), U.S. Naval Nuclear Power School (1961-1962), U.S.S. Haddo SSN-604 (1963-1965), U.S.S. Simon Lake AS-33 (1965-1968), U.S.S. Scamp SSN-588 (1969), U.S.S. Holland AS-32 (1969-1970), Vietnam War (1971-1972), U.S.S. Howard W. Gilmore AS-16 (1973-1974; 1977-1979), and Pearl Harbor (1974-1977).

He was awarded the following medals throughout his distinguished career - Navy Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguished Device; Combat Action Ribbon; Navy Unit Commendation; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Medal; Navy/Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Philippine Presidential Unit Citation; Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation {Civic Action Medal} and {Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm}.

After his military career, Ralph worked in the utilities sector as a Consultant specializing in Nuclear Power and in time retired from Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). Once retired from the work force, Ralph became active in his local communities by supporting local charities and St. Bernard Catholic Church. His pastime comprised of coin collection and reading. He was an avid reader who enjoyed literary classics, history of wars, and books by Tom Clancy and John Grisham who wrote of espionage and legal thrillers, respectively.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 44 years, Clarita Sorensen; three children: Celia Sorensen of Santa Rosa, Conrad Sorensen of Santa Clara, and Carollyn Sorensen of Winterville, NC; three grandchildren: Aku, Alli "Tuisku," and Taika; a brother, Michael Sorensen of Walnut Creek; and his cousin, Frank Hastings of Oroville.

Including his mother and father, Ralph was preceded in death by his aunts: Alice Aileen Brunink, Margaret Grace Brunink, and Florance June Brunink.

A time of visitation will be held Monday, February 8, 2016 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. with a Rosary being recited at 7:00 P.M. at Smith Funeral Home (116 D Street, Davis, CA). A Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. at St. James Catholic Church (1275 B Street, Davis, CA). The committal service will follow at 1:00 P.M. at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery (5810 Midway Road, Dixon, CA).

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Previous Events

Visitation
Monday, February 8, 2016
Rosary
Monday, February 8, 2016
Mass of Christian Burial
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Graveside
Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Cemetery Details

Location

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