Ernest C. Sorby

Ernest C. Sorby, age 92, of Iron River, MI, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2019 at the Iron County Medical Care Facility in Crystal Falls, MI. He was born on April 3, 1927 in Escanaba, MI, the son of the late Magnus and Alvina (Raymond) Sorby.  He attended and graduated from the Escanaba Schools and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944.  He served in the Pacific area involving in Okinawa, Iwo Jima, and Japan.  Upon his honorable discharge, he moved to Iron River, MI.  He was employed by the McMahon Lumber Company for a short time, and then in 1948 was employed by the M.A. Hanna Mining Company for 34 years.  In 1948 Ernest married the love of his life, Dorothy Hamacher, daughter of Henry and Agnes Hamacker.  They celebrated 52 ½ years together and had three sons, Brian, Steven, and Mark-Mark died in infancy.  Ernest was a former member of the Assumption Church, having served as Past President of the Church Council.  He currently is member of St. Agnes Catholic Church of Iron River, where he served as an usher for many years.  He also was a founding member of the M.A. Hanna Credit Union.  He was a former member of the American Legion and a life member of VFW Ottawa Post #3134, and also a Council member for the Iron River Senior Center where he volunteered many hours on remodeling projects.  He was an ardent hunter and fisherman.  He especially enjoyed teaching his grandsons the beauty of the woods.  He also was an ardent supporter of animal rights, and supporter of the Northwoods Animal Shelter.  He was also a wonderful carpenter and could make or build anything.    Ernest is survived by his sons, Brian (Barbara) Sorby of Escanaba, MI and Steven Sorby of Florida; grandsons, Kevin (Dawn) Sorby and Jeff Sorby; great granddaughter, Alyssa Sorby; nieces, Arlene (Mike) Rucinski, Dolly Byczek, Barb McCrae, Alison (Richard) Ely, and Jill Berry; and nephews Harold Saxon and Jack (Maryann) Sorby; extended family members and friends. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy on March 17, 2000; sister, Loretta Saxon; and brothers, August, Julius and Lloyd Sorby.    Memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2019 at 1:30pm at Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River with Deacon Robert Kostka to officiate.  Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery. The West Side Veterans will accord Military Rites at the graveside. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ernest C. Sorby, please visit our flower store.