Douglas D. Sorenson, agricultural editor and former professor of agricultural journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, died Dec. 17 at Oakwood Village health care center in Madison. He was 76 years old.

Sorenson was born in Glenwood City, Wis. Following military service in World War II, he came to the UW-Madison, earning a bachelor”s degree in soil science and agronomy in 1951 and a master”s degree in soil science in 1952. He taught science and agriculture at Mazomanie High School from 1952 to 1955, and earned a master”s degree in agricultural journalism at the UW-Madison in 1956.

Sorenson joined Wisconsin Agriculturist magazine as field editor in 1956, and served as managing editor from 1958 to 1964.

He returned to the UW-Madison as an assistant professor of agricultural journalism in 1964. Sorenson taught courses in advertising and technical writing, and studied factors influencing knowledge of technical soil concepts by Wisconsin farmers. He edited the annual reports of the Wisconsin Agricultural Experiment Station, and directed the extension information service at the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. In 1971 he became a free-lance writer, specializing in agricultural and scientific topics.

Sorenson is survived by his wife, Juanita Sumpter Sorenson, of Madison; two brothers and a sister, and nephews and nieces.

A memorial service was held Thursday, Dec. 21 at Cress Funeral Home in Madison. Memorials may be made to the Douglas Sorenson Scholarship Fund at the University of Wisconsin Foundation, 1848 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53708; or the Sorenson Professional Development Fund at the UW-Eau Claire Foundation.