Carol Jean E. Sorensen
GLADSTONE — With grateful hearts for a life lived with devotion, humor, and unwavering love, the family of Carol Jean Elizabeth (Janisewski) Sorensen announces her peaceful passing on June 26, 2026, at Lakeview Assisted Living in Gladstone at the age of 91. Born on December 19, 1934, to Philip and Elizabeth Janisewski of Stanley, Wisconsin, Carol was the second youngest of 10 children and the last surviving member of her beloved family.
On March 21, 1953, Carol married the love of her life, Richard “Rich” Sorensen and together they built a life grounded in hard work, faithfulness and family. She was deeply proud to be a military wife, a role she carried with dignity and resilience. They moved to Little Lake, Michigan in 1957 as Rich followed his carpentry work during the construction of KI Sawyer AFB housing. Carol was always a tireless worker, dedicated to the businesses she and her husband built side by side.
Carol gave generously of her time and spirit. She served as a Girl Scout leader and was an original member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 349 in Little Lake, MI, having joined in 1976. Holidays were her favorite time of year–her kitchen filled with the scents of her specialty dishes, laughter echoing as her family gathered around her table. Her greatest joy in life was being a mother, a role she cherished above all others. She often said her children were the most important thing in her life and she lived that truth every single day.
She delighted in music, especially dancing–polkas, schottische line dances and waltzes–each bringing her a sense of pure joy. During her years at Lakeview, she was blessed with many dear friends and took part in countless activities. She especially loved bingo, a highlight of her days and a source of community with those around her.
Carol leaves behind a legacy of love through her three children, Cindy (Mark) Phillips of Stonington, MI, Ken (Pam) Sorensen of Little Lake and Kerry (Debbie) Sorensen of Little Lake. She was the proud grandmother of eight and great-grandmother of 17 children, all of whom brought her immeasurable pride and happiness.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Rich in 2023 and her son-in-law, Thomas Kennedy in 2004.
Carol’s children would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate Teams at Lakeview Assisted Living and UP Health System Home Care & Hospice for their exceptional care and kindness over the past two years. Their support brought comfort and dignity to Carol’s final chapter.
Carol’s life was marked by devotion–to her family, her community and to the simple joys that made her world bright. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 from 10 am to 12 Noon at Canale-Gwinn Funeral Home and Cremation Services. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:30 at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Rev. Sebastian Oppong officiating. Carol will be lovingly laid to rest next to Rich in the Gwinn Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the services at the Little Lake American Legion.
Carol’s Mass will be livestreamed at https://my.gather.app/remember/carol-jean-sorensen
Memories of Carol Jean may be shared at canalefuneral.com