Geraldine Johnson Sorensen

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Geri Sorensen passed away peacefully on October 16; she was holding the hand of her beloved husband of 73 years, and surrounded by the loving care of her family. Even during the difficult final year of her life, she faced her challenges with a positive attitude, smiles, quiet strength, and grace.

Geri was born in Pocatello, Idaho, to Millie Marie Stucki and Leonard Gustave Johnson. She spent her childhood in California, where she enjoyed English and French classes, participated in cheerleading, and developed a close loving relationship with her sweet parents and her younger sister, along with other friendships that enriched her life. Her bright personality, curiosity, and love of reading and learning were evident from an early age. She and Ken met as teenagers, fell in love, and were sealed on March 30, 1953 in the Logan, Utah Temple, by President George Raymond. They lived in California and had their first 5 children while living in the Petaluma area.

Geri and Ken and their young family moved to Utah in 1964 eventually welcoming three additional children, and built a wonderful network of friends and family in River Heights. This busy mother of eight unceasingly pursued learning opportunities. She had a passion for reading and was a dedicated member of her Literary Club, for more than 60 years. Together with Ken and their dear friends, she was also actively involved in a Study Group and the Logan Jaycees.

They also built a successful business together through Cache Mortgage. Ken brought vision and business leadership, while Geri contributed exceptional organization, attention to detail, dependability, and a tireless work ethic. Working side by side, they grew the company, served clients, and built forever relationships founded on trust and integrity. Geri was an essential part of the business’s success and helped establish a respected family enterprise.

Geri was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her faith guided her life and was reflected in her devotion to family and service to others. Geri and Ken served two missions together in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Malaysia and Mongolia. While on their mission, she curated care packages throughout the country of Mongolia. Geri used her gifts to organize church libraries and teach English to serve the people sharing the culture of these far-reaching places with her grandchildren. Her travels also brought adventures such as riding camels and a yak!

Family was always at the center of Geri’s life. She remembered birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and important milestones, making sure the people she loved knew they mattered. She wrote birthday cards right up to the time of her death, and even has several ready to be sent for the next few months! Geri and Ken traveled countless miles to attend baptisms, mission farewells and homecomings, sporting events, and family celebrations. They understood that being there was one of the most meaningful ways to show love.

Geri kept her home spotless, the family’s clothes pressed, and everything in its proper place. Her systems were carefully planned—and best left undisturbed! She was also a thoughtful shopper who could find the perfect gift for anyone. Her shopping lists and driving routes were planned in advance, left-hand turns were avoided whenever possible, and roundabouts were best avoided altogether. These habits are among some favorite family stories.

Preserving family history is one of Geri’s great and tirelessly achieved accomplishments. Her “Mom Cave” was filled with photographs, records, and meticulously gathered family histories. She saved everything from photographs and report cards to old dentist billing cards, recognizing that the smallest details could become treasured memories for future generations. Using her trusty typewriter she created for each child and grandchild an organized genealogy book of valuable family records. These are her gifts to family and are forever an example of the eternal nature of families, and the importance of remembering each person’s life events.

Geri also created traditions that her family will always remember. Sunday evenings meant popcorn, Kool-Aid, and The Wonderful World of Disney, often accompanied by sandwiches made from Sunday dinner leftovers. Mom made each child their favorite cake on their birthday. Her famous “Geri seatbelt” implemented whenever the car stopped suddenly, kept children from flying forward before carseats were a thing. She also used her imaginary brake pedal when others were driving, reflecting her protective nature. These memories continue to bring smiles to her eight children.

Geri loved holidays. Popcorn balls for Halloween, and Gingerbread cookies served after Thanksgiving dinner to welcome in Christmas, will never be forgotten by the grandkids.

Geri and Ken created several treasured family trips that solidified family love and relationships by playing and traveling to wonderful places around the world together. A highlight trip included the 2022 trip to witness the Passion Play in Oberamagau, Germany, with their eight children and spouses!

Geri was gracious, composed, and generous, with a wonderful sense of humor, fun laugh, and a warm smile. She offered comfort during difficult times. She and Ken built a large, close-knit family spanning more than 138 members. Her family finds comfort in the promise that families can be together forever and looks forward with faith to a joyful reunion beyond this life.

Geri is survived by her beloved husband, Kenneth, her eight children: Marci (Duane) Shaw, Bruce Sorensen, Gregg Sorensen (Lucy), Debbie (Bret) Hancey, Yvonne (Dave) Jorgensen, Eric (Kimberly) Sorensen, Brett (Tami) Sorensen and ReNae (Neal) Cunningham; her sister, Faye (Gary) Sowards; 26 grandchildren, 65 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Leonard and Marie Johnson, her loving in-law’s Gerald and Maude Sorensen, sister in-law Carol Sorensen, sister in-law Vivian Garrett and her husband Paul, and 2nd husband Ray Cummings, brother in-law’s Bud Breillatt and Gerald Sorensen, son-in-law, Bret Hancey, grandson Morgan Gubler, granddaughter Stephanie Shaw, and great grandson, Bryce Wilson.

Viewing will be held Friday October 23, 2026 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at the River Heights Utah Stake Center, 800 S 600 E River Heights, Utah

Viewing Saturday October 24, 2026 from 9:00-10:30 am at the River Heights Stake Center. The funeral begins at 11:00 am.

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.