Elwood “Woody” Soerens, 94, of Sheboygan Falls, passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, while holding the hands of LaVerne, his wife of 74 years and now is in the presence of his Lord he loved.
Woody was born on September 17, 1931, to Orville and Grace (Schreurs) Soerens in Cedar Grove.
On October 5, 1951, he was united in marriage to LaVerne Kruis at First Reformed Church in Cedar Grove.
Woody ran the Soerens’ Texaco in Sheboygan Falls for several years before working at Sears for 30 years, always enjoying the quarterly retiree luncheons.
Woody was a member of First Reformed Church in Sheboygan Falls, where he served as a deacon. He was also involved in Big Brother Big Sister and Meals on Wheels for many years.
He was a loving and compassionate husband, dad, and grandpa. Woody loved his family and was always ready with a grin and quick response, showing his sense of humor. He loved talking with people and being around others. There were many special times with family and friends from camping, family gatherings at Woody and LaVerne’s home, to social times playing cards. He gave the biggest hugs to those he loved.
Together, Woody and LaVerne took many trips with their motorcycle and motorhome from Alaska to Baja and many other interesting tourist destinations. They spent many winters together in Clearwater Travel Resort in Florida and made numerous friendships. He loved dancing, from square dancing to polka and waltzing with his “Babe”.
Woody’s love for horses was evident throughout his life. From summers at his grandparents’ farm, to being a 4H horse project leader, to many trail rides with his wife, family, and friends. He volunteered to ring bells for Salvation Army for many years. Woody learned how to create with stained glass, making yearly Christmas ornaments that he gifted to others.
Woody is survived by his high school sweetheart who he married in 1951, LaVerne; and their children Kim (Missy) of Dodgeville, Brenda (Dale) Vinson of Sheboygan Falls, and Terry (Sandy) of Sheboygan. He was a cherished grandpa to Josh (Lauren) and Zach (Christina) Vinson, Rob, Eva, Daniel (April) and David Soerens; and many great and great great grandchildren. He is further survived by his sisters, Joyce VanStelle, Shirley Wieberdink; brother Dennis (Marcia) Soerens; and sisters-in-law Betty Erickson and Irene Schmitt.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Ebbers, and numerous in-laws.
A memorial service will be held at First Reformed Church in Sheboygan Falls on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 11:00am. A livestream of the service can be viewed on Woody’s obituary page at wenigfh.com. He will be laid to rest at Hartman Cemetery.
Visitation will take place at church from 9:30am until the time of service.
Memorials are appreciated in his name to Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice or Campus Life.
Woody’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for their loving care, especially Mary.
Wenig Funeral Home in Sheboygan Falls is honored to assist the family. Please visit wenigfh.com for more information.
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