Melvin Mortenson

Melvin Millard Mortenson, 79, a resident of Dalton, passed Tuesday, December 13, 2011. He was born August 21, 1932, in Akron Township, rural Rothsay, Minnesota, the son of Melvin and Bertha (Shirley) Mortenson. He attended high school in Rothsay. He joined the U. S. Air Force in 1953, serving as a mechanic in 1956 in Japan, receiving numerous medals. He was discharged in 1961, and returned to farm in Oscar Township. On October 24, 1958, he married Mila Paulson at Hedemarken Lutheran Church, rural Carlisle. They moved to Battle Lake where he worked in the creamery. He then began civilian work with the Air Force in Belton, Missouri, later transferring to the Minneapolis Reserves #934, and living in Lyndale. In the late 80’s he retired to rural Elizabeth. In July of 2006 they moved to Dalton, where they continued to make their home. In his retirement he worked part-time at the Daily Journal. He was a member of the Lake Region Pioneer Threshermen’s Association, and always worked and helped with the Dalton Threshermen’s Show. Melvin enjoyed tinkering in the garage, boating, fishing, hunting, archery, and especially spending time with family and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents, Melvin and Bertha; his brother, Harold Mortenson; and his sister, Betty Hanson. Survivors include his wife, Mila Mortenson of Dalton; his children: Milo Mortenson of Golden Valley, Marlene Mortenson of Rockford, MN, Marcia (John Welter) Mortenson of Montrose, MN, Myron (Bobbi) Mortenson of Watertown, MN, and Marjory Mortenson of Montrose, MN; four grandchildren: Scott (Cassie) Vinson, Dustin Vinson, Renee (Matt) Dalbec, and Ryan (Jennie) Welter; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church Service: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 17, 2011, at Zion-Sarpsborg Free Lutheran Church in Dalton Clergy: Reverend Mark Johnson and Reverend Brett Boe Interment: Hedemarken Lutheran Cemetery, rural Rothsay Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.