Carol Mortensen

   Carol Lee Mortensen, 87, left this earth to join her Lord and Savior in Heaven on February 28, 2024.  

   Carol was born on February 9, 1937, to Merle C. and Dorothy (Gordon) Fleener in LaMoure, North Dakota. As a young child, Carol moved with her family to Wadena, Minnesota where she attended grade school and later graduated in 1955. Carol also attended Bemidji State University where she studied Liberal Arts which developed into her lifelong love of reading.     

   Carol’s first job outside of her early work on the farm, which she spoke of so fondly, was that of an early 50’s switchboard operator. Her job with the telephone company consisted of writing down the caller's number, the time and the destination of the call and then connecting the call manually by plugging in and ringing the operator in the desired location. She loved her work at the telephone company because it gave her the opportunity to visit with people and invest herself in them; something she carried with her until her last breath.  

   She married Dale Gene Mortensen in September of 1964 in Sisseton, SD. They began their married life together in South St. Paul MN, where children soon entered the union. In their early years, they enjoyed life together by spending many weekends camping and simply enjoying time raising their children. Dale’s job transferred the family to South Dakota where they stayed for the remainder of their marriage. Carol and Dale were married for 51 years before Dale’s passing in November of 2015.   

   Carol loved to journal about her family life and filled countless record books over the years. It was unknown to her at the time, but these journals would someday be treasures for her children to read and reflect upon a life lived with such certainty of God’s plan for her. Carol lived her life knowing that before she spoke a word, God already had the answer in place for her. She trusted God’s grace could and would be seen in both trial and tragedy because she always, until her very last breath had great trust that whatever happened she would have no fear because she knew all would be well with her soul.  

   She enjoyed complicated word find puzzles and would oftentimes be found in the evenings watching foreign films while simultaneously working on a word find puzzle. Carol also enjoyed debating politics with anyone who also enjoyed this topic; and many times, with those who didn’t. Another of Carol’s hobbies was sewing; she made several quilts throughout her lifetime, many of which she donated. Carol was also an avid reader, having read thousands and thousands of books over the course of her lifetime.    

   Carol was a member of the Open Bible Church in Huron, SD where she volunteered for numerous events while her health allowed, including holiday lunches, women’s events, weddings, baby showers and the like. In her later years, she also enjoyed giving of her time by volunteering at the Salvation Army where she made many friends very quickly. She loved to help those who needed it and occasionally mentioned how she would help put care packages together for those who seemed to need extra help, especially around the holidays.       

   Carol lived her life guided by the values instilled in her by the church, the Bible and her Lord Jesus Christ. The greatest gift she passed on to those that were fortunate enough to know her was the absolute need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Her unwavering faith provided her with the strength and comfort she needed throughout the years, and she always felt blessed and content to be a child of God. Carol and her contagious laughter, feisty spirit, and sharp wit will be dearly missed by her family and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.  

   Left to cherish her memory are her children: Ann Sacoman of Amarillo, Texas, Loren (Shari) Mortensen of Huron, SD, Shannon (Kyle) Skovlund of Mayville, ND, Kimberly (Mike) Anderson of Rapid City, SD and Matthew (Jessi) Mortensen of Sartell, MN; 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; and her sisters: Faith Quinn and Priscilla Palm.     

   Predeceasing Carol was her husband; Dale; a daughter: Kristine; a granddaughter: Taylor; her parents; two brothers: John Fleener and George Fleener and a sister: Mary Anderson.

Visitation:  Will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral Service: Will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at Riverside Evangelical Free Church in Mayville, ND.