Janis Sorum

Janis Kay Sorum, 88, Ellendale, ND, passed away on August 24, 2026, surrounded by her five daughters. She left behind a lifetime of love, faith, and dedication to family and service.  

Janis was born on July 3, 1938, to Art and Nora Sorum in Mayville, ND. As a young child, she attended grade school in Pleasant Lake, ND, where there were only four students in the elementary school, an experience that shaped her strong sense of family and community. She graduated from Rugby High School in 1956, and then attended Lakewood Park Bible School from 1956-1958. Janis was married to Laurence (Larry) Strom in 1958. They were married for 17 years and had five daughters together: Brenda, Bonnie, Tammy, Dixie and Sherri. Janis remained a devoted and loving mother.

In 1984, she achieved her Certification in Respiratory Therapy, completing coursework through correspondence and a community college. She then dedicated 30 years to helping others as a Respiratory Therapist at Mercy Hospital in Devils Lake, touching countless lives with her skill and compassion.

Janis had a heart for missions and went on 12 trips with the Nicaragua Resource Network to share her passion and gifts with the people from that country. Throughout the years, one of her greatest joys was to experience several of her children and grandchildren follow in her footsteps and go to Nicaragua to embrace the same spirit of giving.

Family was at the core of Janis’ life. She loved getting together with family and had a way of bringing everyone together for food, fun and fellowship. Celebrating the Sorum Christmas the weekend after the traditional Christmas was something she eagerly anticipated every year. Another highlight was celebrating her birthday and the 4th of July at Devils Lake, again, with a large family clan. She loved to swim and not even cloudy, cool weather or getting older would keep her from putting on her swimsuit and enjoying the water.

Among the many things Janis will be fondly remembered for are her legendary pies. Every year, she would make the rotation and trip to each of her daughter’s homes to help them prepare and freeze pies. One year when she was recovering from chemotherapy and a hip replacement, daughter Dixie secretly took a frozen apple pie from her freezer almost a year after it had been made and entered it into the Clay County Fair without telling her. That year-old pie received the blue ribbon! 

Janis’ life was a testament to faith, resilience, and unconditional love. She leaves behind a family who adored her, friends who admired her, and a legacy that will continue through the traditions and values she instilled in those she touched.

 Janis was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Nora Sorum; and brother Jerry Sorum.

Survivors include daughters Brenda (Tim) Nottestad, Bonnie (Rob) Rhome, Tammy (David) Belgarde, Dixie (Cody) Duncan, Sherri (Wayne) Borowicz; 19 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren; brothers Joel (Laura) Sorum, Jeff (Sue) Sorum, Jim (Pat) Sorum and Jack (MariDon) Sorum.

 If you wish to send a memorial donation in honor of Janis, please consider the Nicaragua Resource Network (NRN) or the Lake Area Pregnancy Support Center.

Janis’ family is handling arrangements with a gathering of friends and family to be held at Lakewood Park Bible Camp (LPBC) in Devil’s Lake, ND, Sunday, September 20, 2026 beginning at 7 PM. A family-led memorial service will also be held at LPBC at 10 AM, Monday, September 21 with a private interment to follow at Churchs Ferry Cemetery, Churchs Ferry, ND.