Barbara J. Sorensen
June 9, 1935 – October 3, 2025

Barbara J. Sorensen, 90, of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home with family on Friday, October 3, 2025, after battling cancer. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Waterbury Funeral Service, 4125 Orleans Avenue, Sioux City, Iowa. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service.

Barb was born on June 9, 1935, in Aurelia, Iowa, to Frederic M. and Audrey Laverne (Koehler) Sorensen. She was a warm and kindhearted woman who made everyone feel welcome, a grandma to everyone she met, and she did it all with the stubborn, fiery charm of a true Dane.

Barb worked for many years in the Central Kitchen for Sioux City Schools, where she was known for her dedication and caring spirit. Later, she moved to Arizona to live with her daughter Debbie and helped raise her three grandchildren. She returned to Iowa in 1995 and continued to be the heart of her family, caring for generations of grandchildren and great-grandchildren for as long as her strength allowed.

Even outside of work and family, Barb found joy in the simple things that made life beautiful. She loved her flowers and plants and took great joy intending to them. She especially loved watching the hummingbirds that gathered at her feeders.

She is survived by her daughter Debbie Beardsley, her son Donald Florke, 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Donna, brothers Fred and Robert, her daughter Lorie, her son Ronald, her ex-husband Harold, and her great-grandson Khaled.

Barb will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her. She leaves behind laughter, love, and the unmistakable mark of her strong spirit.