Lynn Sorum

Lynn D. Sorum, 85, of Belmond, passed away on Friday, October 11, 2024 at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Ewing Funeral Home, 111 Luick’s Lane South in Belmond, with Pastor David Boogerd officiating. Burial will take place at Graceland Cemetery in Sioux City.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Friday, October 18, 2024 at Ewing Funeral Home.

Lynn David Sorum was born September 19, 1939, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, son of Kenneth and Lucina (Schuder) Sorum. He was raised in Sioux City, Iowa and graduated from Sioux City East High School. He continued his education at Morningside College where he received his Bachelor’s degree then went on to complete his Master’s Degree at the University of South Dakota.

Lynn married Sharleen Oliver in 1961 and from that union two children, David Dean and Michele Kay were born. The couple recently celebrated their 63'" anniversary amongst family and friends. Lynn was a cherished and active member of the Belmond United Church of Christ (Congregational) Church and was integral to their transition into their new facilities.

In 1961 Lynn also began his legendary teaching career, he taught at Thornton year one, and Meservey-Thornton for two years, before coming to Belmond for 35 more years. He taught Speech, English and American Literature, and Composition and many life lessons along the way.

Lynn truly enjoyed the classroom teaching and many of his students appreciated the experience with Mr. Sorum ("suffer with Sorum").

In addition to the classroom, Lynn also was the director of the Theatre Department and over the years was at the helm for more than 200 productions. The events were never second-fiddle, and always brought joy to those who participated and attended. Students recall the curtain speech that was given 5 minutes before the curtain goes up and ended with "Give 'em Hell". He took pride when he would see a former student who still address him as “Mr. Sorum.”

After retiring from the classroom, he went to work for "his students" He worked for Rick Bonte and Harlan Tulp in the Plumbing & Heating business. Then, for over 20 years Lynn Catered for Marc Gabrielson helping to keep people fed and happy for various events in and around the county. He loved to say he "was always going to a party."

After feeding so many of our community farmers, he decided he wanted to play farmer himself and always helped bring in the harvest at the end of the season with Nelson Brothers Farms.

Lynn was recently honored with the Lifetime Community Service Award for his dedication to the community. He will always be remembered for starting the 4G's in Belmond. God, Glory, Guts, Gunpowder. With it, came the fireworks display we all enjoy during the 4th of July celebrations. Lynn was also responsible for making certain the town was always in the mood for the Christmas season by rallying the troops to get the decorations in place. He was involved with many community service groups including Jaycees and Lions Club.

Lynn was an amazing leader with a passion for people, always striving to help others meet their potential even when they couldn't see it in themselves. He was a compassionate man who was a thoughtful educator, loyal husband, loving father and active grandfather and great-grandfather.

He will leave a lasting impression on the town and people that he worked with and will be dearly missed by those around him.

Lynn is survived by his wife Sharleen, son David (Debra), daughter Michele Sorum-Scherwin (Chris), six grandchildren Kali, Gregory, Lukas (Shannon), Madelynn (Josh), Arabella, Phoebe, and one great-granddaughter Bethany. He leaves behind 2 cats Bert and Ernie.

He was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Lucina, his brother Robert, and siblings Terra and Pam Lucart.