Leslie Paul "Les" Sorenson, 91, Bismarck and formerly of Minot and Ryder, died on Friday, November 20, 2015 at the Baptist Care Center.

Leslie was born on March 11, 1924 on a farm near Ryder, ND to Paul and Nora (Peterson) Sorenson. He attended Centerville School District country grade school and graduated from Ryder High School where he was active in all sports. He attended Minot State University where he was a member of the Mu Sigma Tau Fraternity, Philosophy Club, Lutheran Student Association, Campus Players, Men's Chorus, Concert Choir and the Red and Green Newspaper staff. After he earned a Bachelor's degree, he continued his education as a graduate student at the University of North Dakota and the University of Milwaukee. He began his teaching career at Ashley, ND and in 1948 at Max, ND as a science instructor and athletic coach.

Leslie was united in marriage to Delores "Babe" Payne on August 10, 1950 in Underwood. They made their home in Max where they were both employed by the Max Public School. They moved to Minot in 1952 where he taught mathematics for 16 years in the Minot Public School System. He received a NASA scholarship in 1966 that allowed him to attend the Math Institute at San Jose State College in California. Later, he was awarded another math scholarship to a school in Great Falls, Montana. During the summer months he was employed by Healey Steelworker's Contractors of Chicago when they contracted for the placement of reinforcement steel in the tunnels of the Garrison Dam. He also served as a Government Construction Inspector at the Garrison Dam and the Minot Air Force Base for the Corps of Engineers.

In 1969, Les and Delores moved to Kenosha, WI where he taught math in the Kenosha United School District. He retired in 1979 after teaching for 35 years. They returned to Underwood where Leslie enjoyed gardening and he resumed farming near Ryder. Les and Babe returned to Minot in 1990 and resided on Oak Drive until the Flood of 2011 forced them to move to Edgewood Vista in Bismarck. Delores died on February 8, 2012.

Les was a member of Augustana Lutheran Church, Eagles Aerie #2376, American Federation of Teachers and Public Employees Credit Union all in Minot as well as the American Bowling Association, Steelworkers of America and a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge - Minot. Les loved hunting, fishing, boating, card playing and, most of all, bowling which he continued to do well into his eighties.

Les is survived by his brother: Lloyd (Geri) Sorenson of Billings MT and Clearwater FL and several nieces and nephews.

Les was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brother, LeRoy Sorenson.

Celebration of the Life of Les Sorenson: Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at 1:00 pm in Christ Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment will be in Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot.
Visitation: Monday, November 23, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the Augustana Hall Building Fund at Christ Lutheran Church, Minot Public School Foundation or the Anne Carlsen Center.