Farmer attributes longevity to hard work
By Angie Landsverk
Grant Sorensen believes hard work is the key to a long, healthy life.
“I farmed all my life,” said Sorensen, who turned 100 on Nov. 19.
Born in Lind Center, he was a dairy, beef and crop farmer.
Today, daughter and son-in-law Rheta and Art Richardson manage the grazing beef farm and also live on it.
Sorensen’s son and daughter-in-law, Errol and Mary Sorensen, live in Massachusetts.
They were among the relatives and friends who gathered at Waupaca Mobil Travel Center Nov. 18 for one of several birthday celebrations for Sorensen.
The breakfast included people from Tennessee, Texas, Stevens Point, Plover, Two Rivers, Manitowoc and Wisconsin Rapids.
The birthdays and anniversaries of others were also celebrated.
“I’ve had lots of parties already,” Sorensen said, as a birthday doughnut sat on the table in front of him.
His Nov. 19 birthday party took place at King’s Table Restaurant.
When asked about what it is like to live to be 100, Sorensen said that in addition to lots of hard work, one has to plan for it.
He has no physical problems.
Rheta said her father has had macular degeneration for 25 years and reads several books per month through an audio reading program.
Six generations of his family have worked on the family farm.
“Dad is active – meeting with family and friends and going to church,” Rheta said.
He continues to live at home, with the help of family and friends.
Sorensen and his late wife, Verdell, were married for 72 years. She passed away in 2014.
Rheta said they lived a good, long life together and were long-time square dancers.
In addition to their two children, there are six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
“I’ve had a good life,” Sorensen said.