\"    Thief River Falls – John Sorter died on Thursday, July 17, 2008 at Thief River Care Center in Thief River Falls, at the age of 95 years, 3 months and 18 days.  
   Funeral services were held on Monday, July 21 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, with Rev. John Voelker, Ph.D. officiating. Casket bearers included Alan Severts, Larry Severts, Gene Engen, Archie Tanner, Ronnie Peterson and Marvin Moen. Interment was held at Riverside Cemetery, Middle River.
     John Melvin Sorter was born on March 29, 1913 in Marshall County, the son of Jens and Emma (Paetznick) Sorter. He was baptized in the Lutheran faith and attended country school.
     John was united in marriage to Mabel Severts on June 26, 1939 in Newfolden. The couple farmed in Cedar Township, near Middle River until June 11, 1998, when they moved to Skylite Apartments in Thief River Falls. He moved to Thief River Care Center in Thief River Falls in September 1999.  He also worked for Schenkey Construction, Bengtson Turkey Farm and Sorter Construction. He enjoyed gardening, hunting deer and loved visiting with family and friends, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
     He was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church at Ringbo.
     John is survived by his wife, Mabel of Thief River Falls; two sons, Merle (Donna) Sorter of Eagan and James (Sandra) Sorter of Thief River Falls; four grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one sister, Junis Tanner of Thief River Falls; and several nieces and nephews.
     He was preceded in death by his parents; one granddaughter; one great-grandson; and brothers, Art Sorter, Albert “Lennie” Sorter and Walter Sorter.
     Funeral arrangements were with Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Family condolances may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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