Emogene Louise Sorgenfrey, age 90, of Durant, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, at Wilton Retirement Community. In accordance with her wishes, Emogene's body has been donated to the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program. A memorial gathering will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com.
Emogene was born on Feb. 21, 1935, the daughter of Clarence and Norma (Bangert) Korthaus in Lawton, Okla. She graduated from Durant High School with the Class of 1953. Emogene married James Sorgenfrey on March 5, 1955, in New Era. James passed away on Jan. 29, 1996.
Emogene worked for Eastern Iowa Light and Power, the Happ Feed Store and Rowley Dental. Dedicated to helping others, Emogene served on the Durant Ambulance Service as an EMT from 1976 until 2013, offering comfort and care to countless families. In the 1970s, she helped organize the Durant Meal Service, continuing to volunteer faithfully until 2017. In 1966, Emogene started Project Workday Quilting at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Durant, where she continued participating for many years. She was currently an active member of New Era Lutheran Church in Muscatine.
Outside of her many commitments, Emogene found joy in gardening, cooking, baking, and playing cards. She cherished hosting family gatherings and was always ready to lend a hand to an elderly neighbor — whether by offering a ride to an appointment or simply stopping by for a friendly visit. At “Em’s house,” everyone knew the door was always open. Visitors could count on a warm welcome, a cup of coffee, and something fresh from the oven — be it a loaf of homemade bread or one of her delicious cookies. Emogene’s kindness, humor, and hospitality will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
Emogene will be dearly missed by four children, Julie (Gene) Fleetwood of Batavia, Ill., Brad Sorgenfrey of Loveland, Colo., Brian (Deborah) Sorgenfrey of Davenport, and John (wife, Roxanne Meyer) Sorgenfrey of Durant; eight grandchildren, Amanda (husband, Mohammad Zeitoun) Fleetwood, Kristin Gauldin, Chelsea (Josh) Ewing, Rachel Sorgenfrey, Ava Sorgenfrey, Max Sorgenfrey, Ashli Holder and Britani Sorgenfrey; two bonus grandchildren, Ashtyn and Logan Paper; and seven great-grandchildren.
Emogene was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Norma; her husband, James; two brothers, Kenneth Korthaus and Tom Korthaus; and two sisters, Marilyn Heinrich and Joyce Foy.
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