EAST HERKIMER - Martin Karl Sorensen, "Bud", of Herkimer, NY, passed away peacefully in his home on April 18, 2024 after 96 well lived years. Born on October 11th, 1927, Bud was the ninth born child to Danish immigrant parents Martin C. and Anna (Mollar) Sorensen. Bud came from very humble beginnings growing up on a farm in East Herkimer. While in high school, he took part in the Youth Military Guard working long hours clearing snow from train tracks to keep supplies and troops moving. At 17 years old, he graduated from Herkimer High School in 1945 and enlisted in the United States Navy. He was stationed in the Pacific Theater on the USS Duluth CL87. Bud was honorably discharged in 1947 having achieved the rank of Seaman First Class. Bud truly believed that service to his country was one of his greatest accomplishments. Bud was the definition of a hard worker. As a dedicated member of The Local 112 Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union, he was a jack of all trades; perfecting masonry, welding and carpentry. His skills helped family and friends with whatever needed to be built or fixed. He was often seen at terrifying heights on ladders and did so until he reached his early 90s. Bud married Carol Williams, of Whitesboro in 1956. Together, they had four beloved children; Kenneth, Diane, Wendy, and Laurie. Bud had a wandering spirit. His fondest memories were of the many, many cross country trips he made with his children and grandchildren across the United States and Mexico. A stop could be made at a family style diner he had frequented with his work friends that was still there five decades later. Invitations were excitedly accepted for family reunions or spur of the moment adventures. The beauty of America enthralled him and kept him wanting to experience all it had to offer with those he loved most. He was welcomed to his next great adventure by his parents and siblings, Soren, Andreas, Marie, Ellen, Gyde, Valaria, Thyra, Kiersten and his beloved cat, Kitty. Bud is survived by his children, Ken Sorensen and wife Tammy Sorensen, Diane O'Donnell and husband Philip O'Donnell Jr., Wendy Kovac and partner Kevin Trevor, and Laurie Kamp; his grandchildren Megan, Caitlin, Bridget, Carol, Philip, Andrew, Kyle, and Emma; his great-grandchildren who he often referred to as "his replacements", Blaze, Cameron, Soren, Tyler, Brooke, Clarity, Reid, and Baby Sorensen who joins the family this summer; his many nieces and nephews, too many friends to count, and his beloved: "Calico cat Suzie." Bud's family would like to thank everyone that had an impact on his life. If you had a drink with him after a long day of work "Libations" or enjoyed his stories about history and politics, "Its past time for a female president," you had a part in making his life meaningful. Most sincere and heartfelt gratitude is especially given to his card playing buddies and VFW comrades! To quote the man himself, "They say you may regret living to old age, but it hasn't happened yet." Calling hours will be on Sunday April 28th from noon until 2:00pm at Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer. The funeral service will follow at 2:00p.m in the funeral home. The EHFD Ladies Auxiliary will meet at the funeral home at 12 noon. All members of the Herkimer VFW Post #4915 are asked to meet at the funeral home at 12:30 pm for services. Celebration of Life to be held at the Herkimer VFW at 3 pm. ALL are welcome to join family and friends for fellowship and refreshments. Internment with Military Honors will take place Monday, April 29th at 12:30 pm in Oak Hill Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care Inc. 4277 Middle Settlement Rd, New Hartford, NY 13413, or Herkimer VFW Post #4915, 131 Mohawk Street, Herkimer, NY 13350 Calling Hours

Sunday, April 28, 2024 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Fenner Funeral Home Inc. 115 Court Street Herkimer, NY 13350 Funeral Service

Sunday, April 28, 2024 2:00 PM

Fenner Funeral Home Inc. 115 Court St. Herkimer, NY 13350