Keith H. Sorensen, age 86, passed away on June 7, 2026.

Born in Minnesota, Keith graduated from Albert Lea High School on June 3, 1957. Shortly after graduation, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy on June 24, 1957. He completed basic training at Naval Station Great Lakes and served honorably until his discharge on June 23, 1963.

During his military service, Keith and his family moved between Minnesota and China Lake, California ultimately establishing deep roots in the Ridgecrest area.

Following his military service, Keith began a distinguished civilian career with the Naval Air Weapons Center in 1963, operating heavy equipment. He dedicated 30 years of service to the federal government before retiring in 1993. After retirement, he continued working as a government contractor from 1994 to 1997. He then found great enjoyment serving as a campground host at Silver Lake, California from 1997 to 2007.

Throughout his life, Keith was known for his strong work ethic, devotion to family, and love of the outdoors. His adventures took him from Minnesota to California, including a brief move to Anchorage, Alaska in 1967. After deciding Alaska’s winters were a little too cold, he happily returned to the Ridgecrest area he called home.

In 1958, Keith married Agnes Louise Foute of Ridgecrest, California, who preceded him in death. Together they raised three children: David Sorensen and wife Lori, Ron Sorensen and wife Jessica, and Linda Homer and husband Jony (deceased).

He later married Antonia Thomas in 1980. Their time together was brief before her passing on January 27, 1981.

On October 9, 1982, Keith married Carol Pounds. Together they blended their families and shared more than 32 years of marriage until Carol’s passing on February 25, 2015. Through this union, he welcomed Carol’s six children into his life: Sharon Flores and husband Ken (deceased), Charlie Pounds (deceased) and wife Tammy, Martha Kennedy (deceased) and husband Cory, Linda Spears and husband Rick (both deceased), Nancy Degano, and Janet Reed and husband Kenny (both deceased).

Keith is survived by his children, David Sorensen (Lori), Ron Sorensen (Jessica), and Linda Homer; his grandchildren, Brandon Sorensen (Amanda), Cory Sorensen (Paige), Kyle Sorensen (Beatriz), and P.J. Homer (Taylor); his step-grandchildren, Robbie Rodriguez (Alex) and Lindsey Jennings; his great-grandchildren, Mya, Cory Jr., Louis, Baylee, Karson, and Gwynneth; and his step-great-grandchildren, James, Ava, Cloie, Peyton, and Presley.

Keith will be remembered for his years of military and public service, his dedication to his family, and the many lives he touched throughout his journey from Minnesota to California and beyond. His legacy lives on in the family he loved and the memories they will cherish forever.

A celebration of Keith’s life will be held at August 27, 2026 @ 2PM at Desert Memorial Park