Dean Edward Sorum, age 80, of Renner, passed away on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 A.M on Monday, December 8th, 2025 at Renner Lutheran Church with burial to follow at Hills of Rest Memorial Park, Sioux Falls. Visitation will be from 3-5:30 PM, Sunday, December 7th at the church. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Renner Lutheran Church.
Dean was born on February 2, 1945 to Mort and Genevive (Lofswold) Sorum. Dean was raised in Renner and graduated from Brandon High School in 1963.
Dean enlisted in the South Dakota Air National Guard in 1963. He started his work with the meat industry at the age of 12 at the Renner Corner and also while working at Greenlee’s Packing House. On November 5, 1966, Dean married Sandra Eggers and to this union, they have three sons, Dr. Randy Sorum, Paul Sorum and James Sorum. In May 1967, Dean and Sandy purchased the Renner Corner Locker from Dean’s parents. In 2019, the three sons purchased the Renner Corner Locker.
Dean was a lifelong member of Renner Lutheran Church and served on the church council in past years. He was a member of the Joseph A.T. Moe Post 175 American Legion in Baltic and is a present member of Post 307 American Legion in Renner. He was Post Commander in both American Legion posts. Dean also served as a Director on the South Dakota Locker Association Board. Dean was a member of the Renner Fire Department from 1970 to 2011 and was a great supporter of the fire department. He was also a lifetime member of the Crooks Gun Club, Elks Foundation, and belonged to Ducks Unlimited and Siouxland Street Rodders.
Hunting and fishing were Dean’s passions. He and along with Paul and James went on an African Safari in 2009. The beginning of making Renner Corner Jerky originated on one of Dean’s hunting trips to Montana. To date, the new packaging bears his name so see if you can find it?
Dean insisted that he and Sandy go south for the winter (Florida) which began in 2004. In July 2007, Dean and Sandy purchased a lake home at Poinsett where he enjoyed fishing and boating with the grandkids. Dean and Sandy along with their sons purchased the Hackberry Plaza in 2011 which is now the Safari Bar and Grill.
Dean was a very generous and caring man. If anyone was in need, he was always there to help with his time, money, or food.
Survivors include his wife Sandy; sons Dr. Randy Sorum (Eric), Paul Sorum (Sandi), and James Sorum (Jennifer); grandchildren, Lisa Ward, Nathan Ward, (Ashley), Jillyssa Sorum, Emelia Sorum, Hannah Sorum, Benjamin Sorum, Jorgen Sorum; great grandchildren, Bella Sorum, Dreyton Oleson, Ella Ward and Rylee Ward; sister, Linda Clauson; sister-in-law, Char Sorum; and four goddaughters, Amy Evenson, Amanda Dieren, Tesha Becker, and Misty Lawrence.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Dick Sorum and brother-in-law, Jon Clauson.
Celebrate a life with the whole community in The Dakota Scout. Contact obits@thedakotascout.com to have your loved one remembered today.