Jeanette Mortenson
Jeanette Mortenson, 86, of Tioga, passed away Wednesday, April 23, 2014, at the Tioga Medical Center. Funeral services were held Monday, April 28, at 2 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Tioga. Pastors Rodger Olson and Richard Carr officiated and interment followed at United Cemetery in Tioga. Friends may share memories and condolences with the family at (www.fulkersons.com).
Jeanette Mortenson was born June 3, 1927, in West Bank Township, near Tioga, to John and Ida (Knutson) Wolla. She was baptized at Betaine Church and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, in Tioga. She attended rural schools including the Wolla School and the Nylander School. Jeannette graduated from Tioga High School in 1946. After graduation she worked for many local businesses.
On June 3, 1947, Jeanette married Elgin Mortenson at Zion Lutheran Church in Tioga. They lived in Fargo and Minot for a time before returning to Tioga in 1953. Elgin passed away in 1994. Jeanette continued to live in her home until her passing.
Jeanette was a very faithful and dedicated member of Zion Lutheran Church. She was a member of the women’s missionary federation and the ladies aid. For several years she served as a deaconess and also as president of the AAL Branch #655. When her children were growing up she taught Sunday school and Bible school. She was a charter member of the Sons of Norway-VennLig Lodge in Tioga. She was also a member of the Tioga Senior Citizens.
Jeanette lived a life of faith. She accepted life’s challenges and enjoyed its many blessings. Although she struggled with health problems, she never lost her sense of humor and zest for life. Her favorite Bible verse was Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
She is survived by: her daughters, Valerie (Dale) Swensrud, of Watford City, Lynnette (Thomas) Wheeler, of Ray, and Tori (Jason) Olson, of Billings, Mont.; sons, Wesley (Sharon), of Lake Park, Fla., and Todd (fiancee Kathy) Mortenson, of Tioga; grandchildren, Darin (Charlotte) Swensrud, Brock (Jami) Swensrud, Laurie Mortenson, Daryn Mortenson, Blake Wheeler, Evan Wheeler and Bailey Olson; 10 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; sister, Ada Fretland, of Tioga; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jeanette was preceded in death by: her parents, John and Ida Wolla; husband, Elgin; son, Clyde; grandson, Garret Swensrud; sisters, Myrtrice Dilland, Evelyn Heen and Deloris Worthington; and by brothers, Arnold and Kermit Wolla.
Visitation was Sunday, from 1 to 7 p.m., and Monday, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Fulkerson Funeral Home of Tioga and on Monday, an hour prior to services, at the church.