Evelyn Mortenson

Evelyn Mortenson, 85, a resident of Underwood, died Friday, November 12, 2010, at Triumph Hospital, Fargo, North Dakota. She was born on March 16, 1925, in Tordenskjold Township, the youngest of three children born to Carl J. and Esther (Swedberg) Mortensen.  She was baptized and confirmed at Tordenskjold Lutheran Church in rural Underwood. Evelyn attended School District 162 in Tordenskjold Township and graduated from Underwood High School in 1942. On September 19, 1953, she married Carter Mortenson at Tordenskjold Lutheran Church. Throughout her life, Evelyn worked in a variety of bookkeeping and accounting positions. She worked at West Ottertail Service Cooperative in Underwood, Fergus Falls, and Pelican Rapids, and later, worked in the accounting department at Mid-Am Dairy in Fergus Falls. In 1970, she accepted the position of Office Manager at Park Region Mutual Telephone Company in Underwood, where she worked until her retirement in 1987. Evelyn loved to serve God, her family and the community. She taught Sunday School at Tordenskjold Lutheran Church and served as the church Treasurer for over 34 years. She was a faithful member of the Tordenskjold Ladies Aid.  She was an active member of the Underwood American Legion Auxiliary where she proudly served as membership chairperson and treasurer. She was a long-time member of the Underwood Woman’s Study Club. In her younger years, she advanced Scouting, serving as a Cub Scout Den Leader. Evelyn enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren and watching them participate in school sports and the fine arts. Throughout her life, she loved to welcome others into her home for meals, cookies, a game of whist, and her special ‘egg coffee.’ She had a unique ability to make people feel at ease and at home. Evelyn will be remembered as a loving and dedicated mother and wife, desiring to serve others and her God. Preceding her in death were her husband Carter in 2000, a sister Emergin, a brother Carlton Mortensen, and a niece, Karon Mortenson Haga. Survivors include a daughter, Susan, and her husband Charles Vukonich of Fergus Falls; a son, Kurt, and his wife Heidi of Underwood; four grandchildren, Paul and Mark Vukonich and Christopher and Karin Mortenson;  one sister-in-law, Esther Mortensen, of Underwood; a niece, Estelle Mortensen Meyer of Tucson, AZ; and a nephew, Wayne Mortensen, of Chester, VA. Memorials are preferred to the Tordenskjold Organ Fund.  Visitation:  4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday with a public prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home.  Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Service:     1 p.m. Wednesday at Tordenskjold Free Lutheran Church, rural Underwood Clergy:  Pastor Mark Johnson and Pastor Brett  Boe Burial:  Tordenskjold Free Lutheran Cemetery, rural Underwood