BISMARCK — Former Bismarck Mayor, state representative, communications businessman, and legendary Medora performer Bill Sorensen passed away on Saturday, Oct. 31, at the age of 76, leaving behind a 50-year legacy that touched public governance, state legislation, local business, and North Dakota entertainment, as The Dickinson Press reported.
Sorensen served as the elected mayor of Bismarck for 12 years, leading the city administration from 1990 until 2002. His tenure as mayor represented a major period of public leadership in Bismarck, coming after his prior service in state politics as a Republican member of the North Dakota House of Representatives. During his legislative service from 1987 to 1990, Sorensen represented the residents of District 47 in the state Capitol.
Just three days before his passing on Oct. 31, the City of Bismarck paid tribute to Sorensen’s long contributions to local government and civic life. The city formally designated and named the Mayor's Conference Room at the Bismarck Event Center after him, honoring his 12 years of leadership as mayor of Bismarck and recognizing his ongoing place in the city's history.
In addition to his career in public office, Sorensen maintained a five-decade career in entertainment in Medora, where he became one of the region's most prominent stage figures. Over 50 years, Sorensen delivered more than 1,000 performances in Medora, establishing a prominent presence in the community’s cultural life. Among his major theatrical credits were his repeated appearances in the annual Medora Musical.
For the past decade, Sorensen expanded his stage career by delivering inspirational messages to attendees at the Medora Gospel Brunch. His lasting impact on the Medora performing arts scene was permanently marked at the Old Town Hall Theater, where the performance venue’s stage was named the Sorensen Stage in his honor. Outside of the summer season in the Badlands, Sorensen also produced and starred in the popular touring production titled "A Magical Medora Christmas," bringing Medora-style holiday performances to audiences across the state.
Reflecting on his half-century in Badlands theater, the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation released a statement honoring Sorensen’s extensive career following his death. The foundation stated that Sorensen had been at the heart of Medora's entertainment for five decades, emphasizing that his talent, generosity, and deep love for the Badlands were instrumental in shaping what Medora is today.
Beyond his dual tracks in public service and stage performance, Sorensen operated in the private sector as a communications businessman. Through his work as a business manager, he represented North Dakota native Virgil Hill, guiding the career of the world champion boxer.
Formal memorial proceedings for the former mayor, legislator, and performer will take place in Bismarck at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, located at 106 Osage Ave. Members of the public and community will have an opportunity to pay their respects during a visitation scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 8, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
Following the Sunday visitation, a memorial service for Sorensen will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 9, also taking place at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at 106 Osage Ave. in Bismarck.
Sorensen’s life work encompassed notable service in state and municipal government, as well as business and the performing arts. His legacy includes 12 years as mayor of Bismarck, three years representing District 47 in the North Dakota House of Representatives, his management of world champion boxer Virgil Hill, his 1,000-plus performances over five decades in Medora, and his establishment of the "A Magical Medora Christmas" tour and the Sorensen Stage at the Old Town Hall Theater.
