Curtis Sorum

Curt LeRoy Sorum, age 87, of Marshall, Minnesota, died on Friday, March 15, 2024, at the Morningside Heights Care Center in Marshall. Memorial Services to celebrate his life are 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 23, 2024, at First Lutheran Church in Marshall, Minnesota. Following a luncheon for attendees, interment will be in the Marshall Cemetery. Visitation will be held just prior to his celebration, from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, also at the church. Memorials can be given to Hospice (Avera or Prairie Home) and First Lutheran Church in Marshall. The family would specifically like to thank the dedicated staff of Morningside Heights Care Center.

Curtis LeRoy Sorum was born on December 6, 1936, in Montevideo, Minnesota, to Alvin and Clara (Anderson) Sorum. He was baptized into the Christian faith on December 31, 1936, at the family farm outside of Clarkfield, Minnesota. Curt grew up on the farm with his parents and three younger siblings: Roger, Roland, and LaVonne. In 1951, he confirmed his faith at Bergen Lutheran Church in rural Granite Falls.
 
Curt married his high school sweetheart, Rosella "Rosie" Hubbard, on December 21, 1957, at Zion Lutheran Church in rural Clarkfield. They spent over 66 years together and raised 4 children: Pam, Sandy, Cheryl, and Lee. Curt’s career took off quickly following his graduation from SDSC Pharmacy School in 1958. Curt and Rosie moved to Cleveland, Ohio, to begin his first pharmacy job at Standard Drug. In 1960, they moved the family back to Minnesota where Curt worked at Reed Drug in Golden Valley until 1965. He then changed companies and worked for Alcott Drug in Hopkins from 1965 - 1967.
 
It was Curt and Rosie’s dream to own their own store and move closer to their roots. On October 1, 1967, they bought Gag’s Drug in Marshall and worked together, side by side. As soon as his kids could run the cash register, they were helping out in the store. With a twinkle in his eye, Curt worked hard and played hard. He was a conversationalist who delivered strong opinions and loved to tell stories about his travels and experiences. Curt's stories usually had an element of adventure, risk, or mischief. Curt loved interacting with his customers, many of whom became his friends. In 1991, Curt and Rosie retired to spend their time at their lake cabin, travel, stay active at First Lutheran Church, and enjoy time with friends and family. 

Curt served as President of the Marshall Chamber of Commerce in 1971 and was on the Wiener Memorial Hospital board for several years. He was an active member of the State of Minnesota’s Pharmaceutical Association from 1960-2000. Curt's enjoyments in life included hunting, fishing, golfing, farming, flying, and going on cruises.
 
After a long illness with dementia, Curt passed away peacefully on March 15, 2024, with family at his side. Curt’s illness revealed the softer side of him. He loved his family and had a special love for his wife, whom he consistently referred to as “the absolute love of my life”. While he could, he expressed gratitude to his caregivers and others who encouraged him in his illness. Curt will be sadly missed. He reached the age of 87 years, 3 months, and 9 days. Blessed be his memory.

Curt is survived by loving wife, Rosella Sorum; 4 children, Pamela (and Randy) Galbraith, Sandra (and Chad) Wyffels, Cheryl (and Kevin) Evans, Leland (and Holly) Sorum; 9 grandchildren, Hannah (and Kyle) Olson, Erin (and Joel) Higgins, Michael (and Katie) Galbraith, Katie (and Mat) Stahl, Shelby (and Cyrus) Birchard, Leah Wyffels, Nick (and Ashley) Evans, Jon Wyffels, and Ben (and Cheyenne) Evans; 11 great-grandchildren; his brothers and sister, Roger (and Karol) Sorum, Roland (and Carol) Sorum, and LaVonne Koosman. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Clara Sorum.