5 days ago
Michael F. Sorrell, M.D.
July 4, 1935 – May 25, 2024
Passed away peacefully on May 25, 2024, age 88.
Preceded in death by parents, Frank and Emma Mae (nee Craven); brothers, LaRue (Harriet), and Leston (Dorothy); sister, Etolia (Harry) Rogers.
Survived by devoted wife of 67 years, Shirley (nee Harrison); son, James, along with his children, Emily (Joe) Braun, Kate (Louis) Costello, Madeline (John) Sorrell-Dealey, Chloe (Collin) Brody, and Naala; son, W. Thomas, along with his children, Claire and Lauren; son, John (Kerri), along with their children, Blake (Cathy), Johnny, and Grant (Jessica); and son, Michael II, along with his child, Harold; 14 great-grandchildren; brothers, Dennis (Vanessa) James (Pam), and Steve (Sue) Orton; many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, other family, friends and colleagues.
Mike was born in St. Louis, MO on July 4, 1935. Weighing just over 3 pounds, he was the smallest child to survive at that time. This and various adversities as a child forged a determination to defy expectations of failure. He never really stopped working and achieving; not for his own vainglory, but because of his dedication to progress, to “make the light of learning shine brighter”. He demanded the same of those around him.
When he was 11, his mother married Frank Sorrell, who adopted him and his younger brother, Denny. This was possibly the proudest day of Mike’s life; Frank made his own and Emma’s children a family, and the birth of brother, Jim, made the family complete. From then on Mike “belonged” and would wear and jealously guard the surname SORRELL with pride.
Frank was a force in Nebraska politics and a progressive Democrat. When Mike finished Medical School, Frank said “I suppose now that you are a doctor you’ll vote Republican!” No chance. Mike was a lifetime Democratic because of Frank and because he believed in progress. He suffered a lot raising 4 boys, but at least they are Democrats.
Along with his devotion to his adopted family, he was devoted to his adoptive faith. His conversion in college was a “Saul on the road to Damascus” story, and the random kindness of a Priest was rewarded with a lifetime of commitment to the Catholic Church. This faith he brought to Shirley and to each child, grandchild, and great-grandchild, every one of which was baptized in the same baptismal gown.
Mike loved Nebraska; while his academic success spanned continents, he always remained here, seeking to make his contributions FOR Nebraska. He always said that Nebraska gave him his education, his opportunity to work and he owed them his best in return. His commitment to the University of Nebraska Medical Center helped usher it into the 21st century as a world- class academic institution.
Still, his early career in Family Practice in Tec*mseh and greater Johnson County was perhaps the most consequential; he loved these people and never stopped speaking of his time there.
Mike valued loyalty above all else; to his wife of 67 years, Shirley, his family, friends, church, political party, the medical profession, and the State of Nebraska.
VISITATION: Wednesday, May 29th from 5pm to 7pm at Christ the King Catholic Church, 654 S. 86th St., followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Thursday, May 30th at 10;30am at Christ the King Catholic Church. Family Interment: Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the University of Nebraska Foundation.
To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service and Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
David BartPosted May 25, 20246:31 pm
Dr. Sorrel was a driving force for Nebraska Medicine for decades.
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Becky WesemanPosted May 25, 20246:45 pm
To Shirley, Jim, and all the Sorrell Family,
There are few people who touched the lives of so many people the way Dr. Sorrell did. His humor, his passion for providing the highest quality of medical care was beyond measure. It was an honor to have been able to work with him at UNMC in the transplant program. There is no doubt that God has a special place in heaven for such a wonderful servant.
May he rest eternal in our Lord’s loving hands. And may God grant you all his peace.
Dr. Sorrell will remain forever in my heart.Reply
Howard GendelmanPosted May 25, 20247:10 pm
Dr. Sorrell taught many lessons about dedication, persistence, honor, and commitment. His legacy will live on for countless future generations.
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Kusum K. KharbandaPosted May 26, 20249:06 am
Dear Shirley and family, My heartfelt condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you and family.
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Rachelle CarrPosted May 26, 20249:37 am
See AlsoCore Tech moves to block appeal in $220M suit, argues GWA owes 'just compensation' for landRichard Sherman, co-writer with his brother of a string of memorable Disney film songs – obituaryOBITUARY: Talat Hussain’s last bowThe shameless political class holds voters in contemptJim and Sorrell family members, I am so sorry for the passing of Dr. Sorrell. I had the pleasure of working along the side of him for 3 years. He was a driving force in medicine. He will be truly missed & remembered.
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Gale Etherton and Fedja RochlingPosted May 26, 202411:21 am
We offer our sincere condolences to the Family of the late Dr Sorrell. We are grateful for his decision to recruit us to UNMC in 2001. Dr Sorrell made a lasting difference in our lives and in the lives of many in our community..Gale,Ciaran, Cillian,Fedja.
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Terry & Mary DanohuePosted May 26, 20242:29 pm
Shirley and family, Please accept our heartfelt condolences on Mike’s passing. He was an inspiration to all of us in the Liver study Unit at the Omaha VAMC and the UNMC.
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Ishfaq BhatPosted May 26, 20244:25 pm
Dear Shirley and family—We are sorry to learn of the passing of Dr Sorrell. He was our teacher and mentor. He will be fondly remembered. Today and always, may his loving memories bring you strength and comfort.. We wish to give our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Romana and Ishfaq Bhat
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Laura Burianek GillilandPosted May 26, 20244:50 pm
To the Sorrell Family,
My condolences to you all. Your dad did a lot for His Patients, The Med Center and Omaha.
May all the great family memories get you through this time.
Laura and Mark GillilandReply
Dina AhmadPosted May 27, 20247:20 am
My deepest and heartfelt condolences. Dr. Sorrell was a great mentor and his legacy will last forever.
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Gina WalshPosted May 27, 20249:57 am
I worked with Dr Sorrell for many years, he was the absolute best. Not only an amazing Dr, but an all around great guy. He was always there for me and my family and always went over and above to help. My dad died when I was in high school and Dr Sorrell was like a father figure to me and a great friend to my family. He would always talk so lovingly of his wife, sons, daughter in laws, and grandchildren, he was so proud of them and loved sharing stories about them. He will be greatly missed. Love and prayers to Shirley and the family.
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Jason And Connie SteinPosted May 27, 202411:15 am
I will never forget the day I called you Doc. Immediately after that you told me my friends call me Mike! Well, Mike you and Shirley were a true blessing to Connie and me. Our travels together and all the lessons you taught the group will never be matched! We are so proud to be called friend and only sadden we never made it to Italy with Y’all. What a trip that would have been. Sending love with tears to Shirley and all the family.
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Steve and Cheryl JewellPosted May 27, 20242:33 pm
What a great man and family. Mike had a great influence on my life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love you!
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Saurabh kapurPosted May 27, 20243:13 pm
He has touched many lives including mine . Great Mentor, True legend !
Sincere condolences!!
SaurabhReply
Marian (Eaton) MichaelisPosted May 28, 202410:09 am
Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
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John and Mary HaasPosted May 28, 20245:03 pm
My wife has had severe liver problems for much of her adult life. We were lucky enough to have Dr Sorrell as her doctor for several years. We can’t say enough good things about him. Condolences to his family.
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Eamonn M. QuigleyPosted May 28, 20245:41 pm
Mike Sorrell brought me to Omaha to my very first faculty position at UNMC and over the next 12 years, guided my academic and clinical progress. Though I did not become a hepatologist, he supported and mentored me in the path I chose in gastroenterology and, when I left Omaha, was always at hand to lend advice which may not have always been what I wanted to hear but was invariably correct. Advice was carefully reasoned, thoughtfully personal to the recipient and delivered with kindness and humor. He was unique – a complete internist, a world-renowned (and universally liked and admired) hepatologist, a committed scientist and an unrivalled teacher. His impact is based, not only on these traits, but on his incredible leadership skills, vision and ability to bring all along towards achieving that vision. Thank you, Mike and thank you, Shirley and all the family for allowing him to spend time guiding us.
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Phyllis ChapinPosted May 28, 20247:23 pm
May your memories bring you peace. Jim always held Mike is high esteem.
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Drs. Peter and Roslyn MannonPosted May 28, 20249:26 pm
Dear Shirley and the Sorrell Family: We extend our deepest condolences to you on the passing of Dr. Sorrell (Mike to us). Though we knew him only at the end of his career, there was no mistaking the monumental impact he had on UNMC and the people who supported its mission, and the ambitious trajectory that he sent it
on. He made an indelible impression on people who got to meet him and offered an invaluable relationship to those who got to know him. His memory will be a blessing to all those who knew him. His legacy will be a blessing to all who become part of UNMC.Reply
Jeremiah DonovanPosted May 29, 20242:43 pm
Dear Shirley and family: You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this time. There have been many and will be testimonials and accolades regarding his love, vision and devotion to UNMC which are well deserved but as you know, you his family was always first. I was fortunate to be one of those who had an opportunity to have been able to learn medicine and to me he was a role model as an educator and leader of how to be caring, compassionate, generous with your time and always striving to provide the your best possible effort in striving for excellence in patient care. Those of us who had the opportunity to train and work with him as students, residents, fellows, nurses and faculty members all have come away better from that experience. His guidance always came with a sense of wanting us to achieve more and be better versions of ourselves. I hope that you can find peace and serenity in knowing how much he loved you all and how much he meant to me.
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Jean Reuter StippichPosted May 29, 20247:58 pm
Dr. Sorrell was our family physician in Tec*mseh, NE. We were sad when he left, but happy for him in advancing his career. Our paths crossed once again when I was a student nurse at Immanuel Hospital School of Nursing when he was rounding as a consultant. My condolences to the family on the loss of your wonderful spouse, father, and grandfather.
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Mary BodenPosted May 29, 202410:05 pm
Our sincerest condolences from the family of George and Frances Schmidt.
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William BurkePosted May 30, 20247:57 am
I can’t say enough about the impact Dr Mike had on my life and career. He recruited me to UNMC during my medical school interview, endorsed my internship in internal medicine and helped me choose my residency in psychiatry! In later years we collaborated clinically on many cases. He was simply the best. A gentleman and a scholar. My condolences to the family.
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Elizabeth Morrissey gobberPosted May 30, 20248:02 am
Shirley
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Tom Morrissey family. Tec*mseh,ne.Reply
Deborah Ann AndersenPosted May 30, 20248:29 am
I had the honor of working with Dr. Sorrell for many years in the liver transplant program. His presence was forcefully kind, funny and if necessary, stern. He taught me so much about liver disease and transplant, but he taught me more about being a strong patient advocate and dedication to patient care. He was one of the finest men I have ever met. He will be long remembered here at Nebraska Medicine and UNMC.
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