Obituary published on Legacy.com by Megrue-Price Funeral Home - Superior on Jun. 28, 2025.
Christian Biography of Thomas Sorensen
Thomas Nels Sorensen Sr., son of Nels and Marie (Hansen) Sorensen, was born on May 22, 1944, in
Superior, Nebraska. He passed away peacefully at his home north of Hardy, Nebraska, on June 26, 2025, at the age of 81 years, 1 month, and 4 days.
Tom grew up on a farm north of Hardy and, in 1950, moved with his parents and siblings into the town of Hardy. He graduated from Hardy High School with the Class of 1962. Always known for his humor, he often joked that he was the valedictorian of his class of seven-with a solid "C" average. Tom was active in all sports and, thanks to the influence of his sister JoAnne, a music teacher, he also took part in band and music events.
He attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he was a proud member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. His time there left a lasting impact, forging lifelong friendships that helped shape the course of his life. On September 26, 1964, Tom married Judith R. Heggen in Lincoln. Together they were blessed with two sons, Thomas Jr. and Timothy.
After earning his bachelor's degree in 1966, Tom, Judi, and their young son Tommy returned to the family farm. Dad made it clear "The first two years" Tom worked for groceries and free rent to allow his father, Nels, to qualify for Social Security. From 1968 until his final harvest in 2021, he farmed the land with dedication and pride. That final crop, coincidentally his best ever, was estimated at 210 bushels per acre-though those who knew Tom understood his optimistic yield estimates were part of his charm.
Tom was a lifelong member of the Union Church in Hardy. A cherished memory from his youth was a church group trip to the South, where they once slept on the floor of Martin Luther King Jr.'s office-a moment that left a lasting impression.
In 1978, Tom ventured into the commodities business in Superior, initially renting the old Union Hotel. He later purchased it from the Alexander family for $5,000. In 1988, Tom Jensen joined the business, and together they served clients for nearly four decades. Tom officially retired in June 2025-his third and final attempt at retirement. His love for the work and his clients kept him coming back. He had a sharp mind, a strong opinion, and a deep respect for those he served.
Golf was one of Tom's greatest passions. A devoted student of Ron Thayer-whom he jokingly claimed he taught Ron everything he knew. He was proud of his efforts to help raise funds for the local country club's expansion. Another of his passions was Keno; he introduced it to Superior in 1990, contributing significantly to city revenue-much of it, he would say with a grin, from his and Judi's own pocket.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Nels and Marie Sorensen; his in-laws, George and Betty Heggen; and his sisters, JoAnne Edwards (and husband Glenn "Dane") and Sandra Bothwell.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Judith; sons Thomas "Tommy" Jr. and wife Vicki of Crete, Nebraska, and Timothy Jon "TJ" of Hardy; grandchildren Eric (Amber) Thornburg, Macy (Evan) Lenertz, Brooke (Dylan) Dragoo, and Bailey (Jaden) Ostrander; and great-grandchildren Kinsley, Bode, Kenna, and Brynn. He is also survived by his sister Nancy Bargen (Gary) of Olathe, Kansas; brother-in-law Lawrence "Lefty" Bothwell of
Superior, Nebraska, sister-in-law Victoria Heggen of Lincoln, Nebraska; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many friends.
Tom was a man of humor, humility, and heart-a dedicated farmer, loving family man, loyal friend, and proud Nebraskan whose legacy lives on in the land he loved and the lives he touched.
Funeral services held on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 2:00 pm from the Union Church in Hardy, Nebraska with Danny Jackson officiating.
Music provided by Tom Jensen, Stephanie Thayer and Brad Schultz singing, "Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone", "Wonderful World" and "Over the Rainbow."
Pallbearers are Eric Thornburg, Evan Lenertz, Dylan Dragoo, Jaden Ostrander, Ron Thayer and Dennis Duffy.
Interment in the Hardy Cemetery at Hardy, Nebraska.
Memorials are suggested to go to the Superior Country Club or the Hardy Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial,
Superior, Nebraska 68978 or in care of www.pricefuneralhomes.com.
Megrue-Price Funeral Home of
Superior, Nebraska in charge of the arrangements.
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