C.F. "Smokey" Sorensen

WOODS BAY - C.F. "Smokey" Sorensen, 79, died Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2004, at his home on Woods Bay, near Bigfork.

He was born Dec. 16, 1924, in Elyria, Neb. After attending school, he worked for a time in Salt Lake City. He joined the Marines in 1943, and served in the Pacific. He was on Iwo Jima when the flag was raised.

After his marriage in 1950 to Marion "Dot" Kaley, they lived in Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wyoming and Montana. Smokey had a car dealership in Casper, Wyo., in 1961. They moved to Great Falls where he also had a car dealership. They resided there until 1988.

He served as state senator from Cascade County from 1971-1975.

After retirement, they moved to Woods Bay and operated a candy store in Bigfork for six years. He enjoyed politics, traveling, golf and cards.

He was preceded in death by four brothers and a sister-in-law.

He is survived by his wife; five children, Sue and Chris Toppen of Monarch, Jodi and Matt Dhillon of St. Louis, Chris Sorensen of Great Falls, Cindy and Joe Griffo of Burbank, Calif., and Holly Sorensen of Venice, Calif.; a brother, Robert of Taylor, Neb.; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.