William J. Sorbe died on October 19th, 2024, following a brief hospital stay for an infection.

Bill was born November 29, 1948, to William Fredrick and Inez Stephensen Sorbe in Payson, Utah. Raised in Levan, Utah, he was the youngest of six children. He grew up on the family’s small farm on the edge of town, where he enjoyed raising pigeons, sheep, pigs and caring for a pet fox. As a young boy, he was regularly found playing with numerous friends either around town or up in the hills, performing in musical groups and hunting with his uncles. He was blessed with exceptional musical ability, learning to play piano, trumpet and to sing. He regularly performed at school, church and community events, often with his sisters. He is a graduate of Juab High School.

After high school, Bill attended Utah State University, majoring in Music. During college he spent summers working at the Lodge at Bryce Canyon National Park, where he fell in love with southern Utah. It was the natural beauty of southern Utah that led him to settle in the area for his adult life. While at Bryce Canyon, he met Susan Tullis of Parowan, Utah. They married in 1972.

Bill began his teaching career at Valley High School in 1972, teaching band and choir. Bill developed a fledgling music program into bands and choirs that regularly competed and won both regional and state awards. He also regularly taught social studies classes and organized annual student trips to Washington D.C.

His students affectionately called him “Sir,” and he was well regarded by teachers, the students and their families. Bill eventually grew in his career and moved into administration and the school counselor while maintaining his band and choir programs. He assisted hundreds of students with post-secondary educational plans at universities, colleges and trade schools across the country. He completed his career as the principal of Valley High School.

Though Bill and Susan divorced, they co-parented their children in the Long Valley area. They were deeply committed to their children, always encouraging excellence in education and extra-curricular activities, teaching them the value of hard work in their after-school and summer jobs and supporting them in their church activities. They both set the example of putting family first by traveling the country for weddings, graduations and the arrival of grandchildren. They both parented with unending love, encouragement and confidence for each of their kids. Those same attributes were magnified exponentially for their cherished grandchildren.

In retirement, Bill enjoyed traveling to visit his children and grandchildren, as well as visiting friends. He also took many trips to northern California to stay with his sister Marlene Sorbe. While he was frequently planning and enjoying adventures, occasionally with a friend or family member, he always looked forward to coming home to Glendale. He enjoyed the comforts of his home and the frequent visits of many friends from near and far.

Bill took on regular projects in his wood shop, as well as a couple of part time jobs in the community. His favorite job was working at Abundant Life Academy, where he helped troubled teens get back on track to graduate and move on to a career or college. His most cherished project was converting his home to a vacation rental along with the help of his son Chris. Together, they completed an extensive remodel and launched his retirement business, hosting guests from around the world and sharing with new friends his love for Bryce Canyon, our National Parks, and all things in southern Utah. The renovation projects and time visiting with guests was a great enjoyment to Bill over the ensuing years.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Vic and his sister Clara. He is survived by his children Chris (Christy) Sorbe of Tucson, Arizona, and their four children; Anne (Eric) Lojka of Meridianville, Alabama and their son; Mike (Mandy Fletcher) Sorbe of Taylorsville, Utah. He is also survived by his sisters, Glenda Wilson, Marlene Sorbe, and Kathryn Brazieal, along with many nieces and nephews who loved Uncle Bill. Bill is also survived by his “friends that are family.” From his life-long friends made during his days in Levan to his newest friends made through his vacation rental hosting, our shared grief extends to so many of his friends.

Funeral services will be held at the LDS Chapel in Glendale, Utah on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 11 a.m. Viewings will be held an hour prior to the funeral and Friday night from 6 – 8 p.m. Services were arranged with Mosdell Mortuary.

While flowers are welcomed and deeply appreciated, Bill and the Sorbe Family would feel equally honored and deeply appreciative of a donation to the Utah Food Bank or Kane County Care & Share. We also express our deepest gratitude to the medical staff at St. George Regional Hospital, the care and rehab staff at Coral Sands Rehabilitation Center as well as the ER and ICU teams at Tucson Medical Center. He’d tell everyone, “you all do such fine work.” Thank you for caring for Dad.

The funeral livestream can be viewed the day of the service at https://youtube.com/live/p7ejzhov16o?feature=share