David Paul Sorenson, age 70, of Chetek, WI, died Thursday, December 4, 2025 in Eau Claire, WI. He was born on September 2, 1955 in Rice Lake, WI to Neil and Marie (Zimmerman) Sorenson.

David graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1973 and then attended UW Barron County Campus and lettered in Soccer. He then graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and later became an Architect and was a proud Vandal Alumni.

David was married to Bette Stodola on February 20, 1982 in Rice Lake, WI. He started his career working for Cooper Engineering in Rice Lake and later built Northwoods Architectural Associates in Rice Lake where he worked for many years as an Architect and owner.

David was a very colorful and adventurous guy, and had many stories to share as a result. A favorite of his was hitchhiking to Idaho on a box car train on his way to and from home during his college years. He had many interests - he built his own home, loved traveling and adventures to find quirky spots and beauty in the world that surrounded him.

David also enjoyed hunting, fishing and curling, and enjoyed sharing these experiences with family and friends. After his retirement he enjoyed rock collecting, gold panning, stamp collecting and creating abstract art. He was in a folk/blue grass band where he would play the harmonica and drums, or take a turn on one of his homemade instruments. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

David loved sharing all of his interests with any one that he met. David was a creative, curious, free spirited man who was a supportive man and father. Every day he had something he was excited to do and he was always looking ahead to his next adventure. He was also past president of Rice Lake Rotary International, and a very active member of the Rice Lake Curling Club.

He is survived by his wife, Bette Sorenson; a son, Andrew (Kimberly) Sorenson; a daughter, Elyse Sorenson (Ash Nelson); 2 grandchildren, Allison and Parker Sorenson; his father, Neil Sorenson; a brother, Doug Sorenson; 2 sisters, Kris Sorenson and Lynda Lofgren; many nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Marie Sorenson; 2 cousins, Becky Zimmerman and Todd Rothe; and a brother-in-law, John Lofgren. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 2-6PM, with a service at 4PM at the Rice Lake Curling Club. Please come share stories of David’s life.

Last Update: Dec 08, 2025 10:04 am CST