Cheney Free Press -

Elden S. Sorensen was born in Visalia, Calif. on Feb. 25, 1935 to Orville and Francis Sorensen. Elden was an only child raised on a chicken ranch his father had founded, and where he raised over 400,000 chickens a year. Elden would educate through college from Pacific Union, Walla Walla College, Sacramento State College and Eastern Washington University.

Elden married Joanie (Valin) on Dec. 18, 1960 and raised two children Eric (deceased) and Jill who he adored. Joanie and Elden would go on to purchase land, and log and mill the timber himself, to build a home southwest of Cheney. He excelled at gardening and loved his orchard. They would celebrate 62 years together in their marriage.

Throughout his life he owned several businesses, dealerships and auto shops. He loved skiing, bird watching, hiking,