Fred C. Sorenson of Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico, passed away in Minot, North Dakota, surrounded by family on July 21, 2023, at the age of 80.

Fred was born May 27, 1943, in Minot, North Dakota, to parents Clarence and Agnes (Anderson) Sorenson of Ross, North Dakota. He grew up on the farm south of Ross, attending country school, Dakota Lutheran Academy in Minot, and later graduating from Stanley High School. He always enjoyed all things western and ranching, reading every Louis L’Amour book, and watching every John Wayne western.

Fred received the opportunity of a lifetime when Frank LaBar sold him his ranch in the White Earth Valley in the 1960s, the oldest ranch in Mountrail County. An even better opportunity came when Fred married his neighbor’s daughter, Kathleen Krieger on June 21, 1969. Together, Fred and Kathy raised their four children on their remote ranch, teaching hard work, enjoying the simple things, and making do with the blessings they had.

Fred thoroughly enjoyed sharing ranch life and raising cattle and farming with his family along with giving of his time to others. He was on the Chilcot School District Board, Stanley Hospital Board, Mountrail County Fair Board, and Stanley High School Vocational Board. He especially was proud to be a long-time member and director of the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association and a charter member of the National Cattlemen’s Association.

Fred and Kathy were proud that each of their kids owned cows while growing up and benefited from the lessons of ranching. Kathy passed away in 1999, but Fred continued to farm and ranch out of his beloved ranch in the White Earth Valley for many more years. He had 11 grandchildren and enjoyed his time with them and boasting of his family to his friends.

After retiring from farming and ranching, Fred turned his sights onto the sands of New Mexico in 2012. In his new adventure, Fred enjoyed his time raising race horses, hunting, enjoying the warmer climate, meeting new friends, and managing his property. He still took time to make it to North Dakota for family and for activities at the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Fred will be remembered for promoting the western legacy with his time and generosity to the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. He will further be remembered for the lasting friendships he made along the way and across North Dakota and New Mexico. He was a man with a great wisdom, sense of humor, generosity, and devotion to the western way of life.

Fred is survived by his brothers, Lloyd (Wendy) and Robert (Jackie); by his children, Will, Mike, Sara (Corey), and Charlie; grandchildren, Cassidy, Bailey, Morgan, Jacey, T.J.(Carsten), Halle, KyAnn, Jozey, Henry, Finley, and Addison; and great-grandchild, Lydia.

Fred is preceded in death by his wife, Kathy; his parents, Clarence and Agnes Sorenson; and his sister, Diane Kjos.