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Mark “Sorb” Sorbe, 71, of Lakeside passed away Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022 at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, S.D.
A memorial service for family and friends will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Alta. Burial will follow at Elk Township Cemetery immediately following the service. Visitation will take place Tuesday, Dec. 6, from 5-7 p.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake.
Mark Eldon Sorbe was born Oct. 13, 1951, to Eldon and Shirley (Deppe) Sorbe in Storm Lake. He graduated from Alta High School before attending Mankato State and Buena Vista College.
Mark’s name was synonymous with farming, and he was deeply involved with agriculture from when he climbed on his first tractor as a boy — where he learned the value of hard work and commitment to family — until his last season in the field. A steward of the land and a competitor to beat at a tractor pull, Sorb had a connection to the land and a passion for the farming life that is a rare find today.
A man of many talents and interests, he could — and would — strike up a conversation with literally anyone, leaving his audience a little wiser and probably with a new friend in his wake. Through his quiet way, Sorb made many friends throughout his life and valued each of them.
Sorb firmly believed his greatest achievement was his family. In his final days, he was surrounded by a constant presence of his family, all of whom had a special and cherished relationship with him.
Nothing made him prouder than watching and sharing the athletic exploits of his sons, probably the only athletes that he paid more attention to than his beloved Iowa Hawkeyes. Some of his fondest memories were taking his grandchildren on their maiden boat ride around the lake, while some of his most challenging were also on the lake as he patiently and graciously played cruise director for The Elements crew. By land or water, Mark could be spotted from a distance, with the Hawkeyes flag on the boat and, usually, a strawberry blond riding shotgun in the truck — one of the many golden retrievers who were loyal companions and co-pilots through the years.
Mark was an unfailing cheerleader of his wife, Kathy, and a strong supporter of her store’s expansion into Ankeny. His tireless work, sharp insight and encouragement was integral to The Elements’ success today and in the future.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents; and aunts, Faye Gates and Florence Preston.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Kathy; children: Nick Sorbe, his wife Cali and their children Tyson, Chase, Sydni, Sierra and Hudson; Adam, his wife Katie and daughter Brooke; stepsons: Tim Limbert, his wife Kari and sons Peter and Jon; and Mike Koth and wife Tammy; as well as his sister Tracy Norman, her husband Ross; and brother-in-law Mike Pace and his wife Gail.
A favorite movie of Sorb’s, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, contains the line “Well, the way I figure it, we can fight or give up.” After receiving a diagnosis of glioblastoma, Sorb chose to fight, defying expectations and embracing time with his family that included trips, houseboats and other adventures.
Mark was known for his sharp sense of humor and was always funny, poignant and knew that life’s serious moments always require a laugh, and maybe, a stop at Puff’s. His memory will live on in the hearts of his children, grandchildren and all those who knew him well.
