Mortensen, Eldon D. 1928-2011

MORTENSEN, ANDERSON, CRAWFORD

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 11/14/2011 at 19:24:46

Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Le Mars Daily Sentinel

Eldon D. Mortensen, 82, of Le Mars, died Monday, Oct. 10, 2011, at the Plymouth Manor Care Center in Le Mars.

Eldon Dwanne Mortensen was born Nov. 4, 1928, on the family farm in Fredonia Township, Plymouth County, the son of Niels and Erma (Anderson) Mortensen. Eldon was confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Le Mars.

He attended country school and later graduated from Le Mars Central High School in 1946.

Eldon was united in marriage to Doris Crawford on Nov. 21, 1954, at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Moville. They were blessed with three children: Ron, Marland, and Ardis.

The couple farmed in Fredonia Township for many years; he had also worked for Wells' Dairy and Bonderson Auto Supply in Le Mars. Eldon and Doris retired and moved to Le Mars in 1996.

Eldon was a lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Le Mars.

He enjoyed collecting toy tractors and other miniature farm equipment.

His greatest joy in life was his family; especially spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Doris of Le Mars; a son and daughter-in-law, Marland Mortensen and his wife, Michelle of Kansas City, Kan.; a daughter, Ardis Harms of Le Mars; a daughter-in-law, Lorrie Mortensen of Waimea, Hawaii; eight grandchildren: Matthew, Ryan, Aaron, Joshua and Tyler Mortensen, Mindy and Katie Haverhals, and Michaela Mortensen; a sister, Leona Reyelts of Minneapolis, Minn.; and a brother, Wendell and Nancy Mortensen of Yankton, S.D.; in-laws: Vera and Walter Sterrett Jr. of Marcus, Phyllis and Kenneth Anderson of Moville, Shirley Kurasz of Lawton, Kendall and Shirley Crawford of Moville, and Gerald Crawford of Phoenix, Ariz.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Niels and Erma (Anderson) Mortensen; a son, Ronald Mortensen on Sept. 30, 2010; a grandson, Christopher Mortensen; a sister, Lenore Mortensen; and a brother-in-law, Lawrence Reyelts.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. John's Lutheran Church in Le Mars with the Rev. Greg Gabriel officiating. Interment will be in Resthaven Memory Gardens Cemetery, Le Mars. Visitation with the family present will be from 4-8 p.m. today (Wednesday) at the Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars. Visitation will continue Thursday morning at the church from 9:30 a.m. until service time.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Mortensen, Ryan Mortensen, Aaron Mortensen, Joshua Mortensen, Tyler Mortensen, and Joel Miller.