Mortenson, Richard Dean (1938-2016)

MORTENSON, MECHAELSEN, SEVERSON, CAFFERTY

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 12/12/2020 at 10:52:00

South Hamilton Record News, Jewell, Iowa, August 10, 2016

Richard Dean "Dick" Mortenson, 78, of Jewell, passed away Thursday, August 4, 2016 at Bethany Manor in Story City. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 8, 2016 at the Jewell United Church of Christ. Burial took place at the Evergreen Cemetery in Jewell. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 700 p.m. on Sunday, August 7th at the church.

Dick was born April 3, 1938 on the family farm northeast of Jewell to Richard C. and Esther (Mechaelsen) Mortenson. Dick attended Jewell Public School, graduating in 1955. He prided himself on graduating in the top 13 of his class. The 1955 graduating class had 13 graduates.

Dick enlisted in the Army in 1958, serving two years, and was honorably discharged in 1960. While on leave in 1959 he met his future wife. He and Kathleen Joyce Severson were married September 4, 1960 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Radcliffe, Iowa.

Together they lived in Des Moines, Belmond and Mason City while Dick was employed with various feed and grain businesses. They returned to Jewell in 1969 when Dick accepted a position as assistant manager for Jewell Cooperative Elevator Company.

In 1977 he was able to fulfill a long-time dream of being a full-time farmer, farming until 1990. For a time during that period, Dick took great pride in being asked to be a part of the Rural Concern Hotline, which aided the financial and emotional wellbeing of farmers during the 1980's farm crisis.

After retiring from farming, the family moved back to their home in Jewell, where Dick continued his working years as a carpenter, doing many rebuilding and repair jobs in Jewell and the surrounding area.

In his retirement, Dick enjoyed being involved in bettering the community by serving on various committees, including the Jewell City Council. Dick enjoyed spending time with his family, including illegal golf cart rides around town with his granddaughter Katie.

Richard Dean "Dick" Mortenson is survived by two sons, Rick (Amy) Mortenson of Janesville, Iowa and Mike (April) Mortenson of Jewell, Iowa; and his granddaughter, Katelyn.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen; a daughter, Robyn Christie; his parents, Richard and Esther Mortenson; sister, Sue Cafferty; and father and mother-in-law, Curtis and Maxine Severson.

Woodley Funeral Home, LLC of Iowa Falls is caring for Richard and his family. For more information phone 641-648.7700.