Mortensen, Gerald (1934 - 2013)

MORTENSEN, GLASCO, RECTOR

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 5/5/2013 at 18:30:37

Submitted by Marthann Kohl, posted by permission

Source: Harlan Tribune

Gerald Mortensen, 78
Oct. 12, 1934 - March 19, 2013

FARGO, ND –– Gerald R. “Gerry” Mortensen was born on October 12,1934 in Council Bluffs, to Ray and Ann Mortensen. He attended and graduated from Avoca High School. He continued his education at Iowa State University and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Gerry was a professional engineer licensed in several states.

Gerry was united in marriage to Joyce Glasco on April 6, 1957, in Des Moines. They made their home in Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota and retired for the winters in Florida. Together they raised three children, Laurie, Neil and Shelley. Gerry and his wife were avid travelers, traveling throughout the world. He also enjoyed attending Willys Overland Knight Registry (WOKR) antique car shows, Cosmopolitan Club activities, and was also active in the American Society of Agricultural Engineers. He shared his love of snowmobiling with his family and many of his friends. But his pride and joy were his six grandchildren. Gerry fought a courageous fight of sixteen months with cancer but passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at their winter home in Tierra Verde, FL surrounded by his family at age 78.

Gerry was preceded in death by both his parents, Ray and Ann, and daughter Laurie. He is survived by his wife of fifty-five years Joyce Mortensen of Fargo, ND; two children: Neil Mortensen and his wife Kathy of Chesterfield, MI and Shelley and her husband Ned Rector of Mankato, MN; and six grandchildren: Kristen, Kyle, Greg, Amanda, Tessa and Evan; other family members and many friends.

Pastor Eric Meissner officiated the 4:00 p.m. Memorial Service on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan and presided at the private inurnment at the Shelby Cemetery in Shelby.