May 10, 1944 – November 18, 2025
Rev. Harlan Emil Sorensen, 81, beloved husband of Luann Sorensen, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
Harlan was born on May 10, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, to his parents, Harlan Sebastian Sorensen and Eleanor Mezek Sorensen. Harlan has one younger brother, Robert Sorensen.
Harlan and his father were both Scouts. Harlan earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and his father had the honor of serving as his Scoutmaster.
He and his wife, Luann, married in January 1966. They have been married for almost 60 years.
Harlan was an academic scholar; over the years, he attended five schools—Hope College in Holland, MI, Army War College, Campbell College in Buis Creek, NC, Webster University in St. Louis, MO, and United Seminary in Dayton, OH. Harlan earned his bachelor’s degree from Campbell College, a Master of Business from Webster University, and a Master of Divinity from United Seminary.
He served his country in the United States Army for 24 years. Rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Harlan served during the Vietnam War. During his military career, Harlan served as an Army Ranger, Airborne Ranger, Infantry Officer, and held many other positions. His specialized military training included several of the Army’s rigorous courses – Military Intelligence Officer Advanced Course, Infantry Officer Course, Military Police Officer Advanced Course, and Ranger training courses.
He earned many medals and commendations for his outstanding valor, honor, and military service, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Sharpshooter Badge, Army Service Ribbon, Meritorious Service Medal, and more. After his military service, Harlan attended seminary school and earned his Master of Divinity in 1999. He served his community as a United Methodist pastor for 10 years in Ohio and Michigan.
Following his retirement, Harlan, his wife, and family enjoyed RV trips along the East Coast as far north as Virginia and as far south as the Florida Keys. He and Luann have lived in the Augusta area for nearly 20 years.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Harlan Sebastian Sorensen and Eleanor Mezek Sorensen.
He is survived by his wife, Luann Sorensen, daughters Lu “Toni” Antonette Sorensen (Mark Condon) and Jennifer Thornton (Joseph), grandchildren Cyrus Condon, Lusian Condon, Joseph Thornton IV, Jarod Thornton, Jenil Thornton, and Jordan Thorton, brother Robert Sorensen (Lili), and nephew Paul Sorensen.
A memorial service took place on November 30, 2025, at Marvin United Methodist Church in GA.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Marvin United Methodist Church, 4400 Wheeler Rd, Martinez, GA 30907.
Please share your condolences in our online guestbook at www.plattsfuneralhome.com
*Sorensen, Harlan E. (Luann) – DECEASED [(RE) FL 1999; PE 2001; FE 2004; RE 2006] Gratis, Somerville OH (W OH) 1996. Seven Churches United Group Ministry: Gaines, Duffield 1999; Blissfield: Emmanuel 11/15/2004; school 11/15/2005; leave of absence 6/1/2006; Retired 2006.
Last Updated on December 1, 2025