Verl Sortor, 85, of Winnemucca, passed away at his home on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, with his family by his side after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Verl was born on July 25, 1929, in Driggs, Idaho, to Howard and Lucy Mae Higley Sortor.
At the age of 19, Verl enlisted in the United States Army and served in the 3rd Infantry Division as a combat engineer during the Korean War. Verl was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries received during combat. He was discharged in 1952 with the rank of staff sergeant.
Upon Verl's return to Pocatello, Idaho, he met and married the love of his life, JoAnn E. Marshall. They made their home in Pocatello until they moved to Reno, Nev., in 1959. Verl worked as a dairy driver, eventually becoming a sales manager.
In 1976, Verl moved his family to Winnemucca, Nev., to start a farm where Cyanco sits today.
In the early 1980s, Verl became a real estate agent and started Winnemucca Realty. In 1982, he joined the Humboldt County Volunteer Ambulance Corps. In 1992, he became the EMS Coordinator for Humboldt General Hospital; he retired in 1997. Verl was able to fulfill his passion for helping others through his service with the HCVAC.
Verl's greatest joy in life was his family, especially the times he spent with his grandson Chase, going fishing, playing many games of checkers, and especially their trips to the Model T for lunch and coffee.
Verl also enjoyed his visits with his good friend, Earl Horton, especially when he was no longer able to leave his home.
Verl was a Mason and a Shriner. He was also a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Verl is survived by his son, Michael, and daughter-in-law, Maelene of Winnemucca; grandson, Chase, currently serving in the United States Marine Corps; grandson, Michael of Kodiak, Alaska; sisters, Wanda L. Bock, Beverly J. Hensen, Judy J. Gillies, Sandra L. Tarbett (Dave), Colleen Van Leuven (Mike), all of Idaho; brother-in-law, LaMont Andersen, of California; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, JoAnn Sortor; son, Stephen D. Sortor; parents, Howard and Lucy Mae Sortor; stepmother, Ruby Sortor; brothers, Howard D. Sortor and Dale G. Sortor; and sister, Marlene Sortor Andersen.
Viewing is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015, at the Sonoma Funeral Home in Winnemucca. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 6, 2015, at the Winnemucca Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Interment will follow at the Winnemucca Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Verl's name to the Winnemucca Alzheimer's Association in care of the Humboldt Volunteer Hospice, or to the Humboldt Volunteer Hospice.
Our family would like to thank Angela Alvarez for the wonderful care she provided to Verl over the last two years, along with Gabby and Susie. We would also like to thank Sherry and Cindy with the Humboldt Volunteer Hospice for their compassion and caring to Verl and our family.[[In-content Ad]]
