Robert A. Sorci

Robert Anthony Sorci, age 81, of Hibbing, MN, was peacefully called home to be with his Lord and Savior while surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, December 22, 2024. After a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s, Bob leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith and humor that touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. 

Bob was born on February 4, 1943, in Hibbing, MN to Anthony and Susan (Hayduk) Sorci. He enjoyed growing up in large, close-knit family. After graduating from Hibbing High School with the Class of 1961, he attended St. Cloud State University to earn his teaching degree and later completed his master’s degree in education from the University of Minnesota Duluth. 

In December of 1965, Bob was united in marriage to the love of his life, Cherie (Gibson). Their devotion to each other spanned over six decades, during which they built life and a family they were extremely proud of.

Bob began his career as an Industrial Arts teacher in Alexandria, MN, then continued teaching at Virginia High School for over 30 years. “Mr. Sorci” was admired for his humor and skill in the classroom, earning the respect and fondness of his students and leaving a lasting impression on many young lives. 

A skilled craftsman, Bob had an exceptional talent for woodworking. In 1978, he fulfilled a long-held dream by building a cabin on Beatrice Lake. Sorci’s Cabin became the spot where family and friends came together for generations, making memories filled with laughter and outdoor adventures. Bob cherished every moment with family and friends at the cabin.

If you knew Bob, you knew his quick wit and the glimmer in his eye when he was about to share a joke or one of his famous one-liners. He had a gift for making people laugh and feel at ease - his fun-loving nature brought so much happiness to everyone around him. 

Enjoying many interests, you could often find Bob out hunting, fishing, enjoying water activities, riding ATVs, golfing, flying model airplanes, working on a project, or tinkering in his workshop. Bob and Cherie enjoyed retirement to the fullest by taking the opportunity to travel, spending summers at Beatrice Lake, and wintering in Laughlin, NV - where they built lasting friendships that meant so much to them. 

Faith was the foundation of Bob’s life, and he shared it with nearly everyone he met. He was an active member of Laughlin Community Church while in Nevada and attended of Chisholm Baptist Church while in Minnesota. Bob’s deep faith guided everything he did, and he lived each day with humility, always pointing to his Savior as the source of his strength.

Above all, Bob’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl Sorci of Hibbing, MN; his daughters, Cara Coster and her husband, Bill, of El Paso, TX, and Gina Heles and her husband, Perry, of Eden Prairie, MN; his siblings, John (Susan) Sorci and Suzy (Roy) Smith; his brother-in-law, Stephen Gibson; and his cherished grandchildren, Kristina Coster, Robert Coster, Sophia Heles, and Joseph Heles. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and many dear friends. 

The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to niece Cheyenne Lease, close friends Ruth Murray, and Mike Ouke, along with the compassionate team at Moments Hospice (especially Catie & Madison) for their exceptional care and kindness during Bob’s illness.

A celebration of Bob’s life will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Chisholm Baptist Church in Chisholm, MN, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing.

Bob’s legacy of faith, family and humor will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend.