Geraldine Ann Sorben, 78, a resident of Salt Lake City, UT, died Saturday, January 14, 2017, at her home. Gerri was born December 16, 1938, to Clarence and Clara (Steineke) Sorben on the family farm in Aurdal Township, Fergus Falls, MN. She attended country school at District #247, and graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1956. She attended Moorhead State College in Moorhead, MN, for her undergraduate degree prior to moving to Salt Lake City. She later earned an MA in English from the University of Utah.
Gerri's teaching career of over 40 years in Salt Lake City began at South High School, where she taught art, business, English, and Latin; then, after South High's closure in 1988, she taught English and Latin at East High School. Gerri's genius, whether with students, friends, or colleagues, was her ability to seek and nurture what she recognized as each person's unique strengths and talents and to subtly discourage their weaknesses. Gerri received the University of Utah Outstanding School Teacher Award in June 1992.
In her personal life, Gerri was a huge fan of University of Utah athletics, enjoyed plays at Pioneer Theater, loved country music and Broadway musicals, played Dungeons and Dragons, read voraciously, and enjoyed British television. A marvelous raconteur, she held forth at her kitchen table, accompanied by friends, a cup of coffee, and her favorite cat.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Clara Sorben, brother-in-law Harvey Miller of Sioux Falls, SD, sister-in-law Rose Sorben of Fergus Falls, uncles and aunts, Henry and Anna Sorben of Fergus Falls, MN, and Edwin and Ella Sorben of Wessington Springs, SD, and numerous beloved cats, the last of whom were Sissy and Sadie.
Gerri is survived by her sister Eleanor Miller of Sioux Falls, SD, and her brother, Donald Sorben, of Fergus Falls, MN, and a nephew, Roger (Dorine) Sorben, of Ironton, MN, grandnieces Mallary (Ryan) Dietz of Columbus, OH, Kayla Sorben, Ironton, MN, and grandnephew Andrew Sorben of Duluth, MN. Gerri is also survived by her godchildren, Laura Brunsman Lintz (Bill) of Henderson, NV, Leah Brunsman (Dave Holman) of Salt Lake City, UT, Sally Brunsman (Kim Barnett) of Seattle, WA, Julie Howard (Gil Hunt) of Bicknell, UT, and Denver Brunsman (Taryn Boss) of Alexandra, VA, and multitudes of friends, neighbors, colleagues and, most importantly, her former students.
In lieu of flowers Gerri wanted contributions to be sent to The Humane Society, Best Friends Animal Society, or to a local animal shelter of your choice.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 15, at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Tabor Lutheran Church, 175 South 700 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84102.
