Harris Mortenson, 93
Harris Mortenson, 93, of Hallock, Minn., passed away at Kittson Memorial Healthcare Center on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019.
Harris Edwin Mortenson was born Aug. 30, 1926, at Kennedy, Minn., to Edwin and Myrtle (Gustafson) Mortenson. He attended country school through grade eight, then in Kennedy and U of M Crookston for his high school years. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving on Manicani Island in the Philippines in 1945-1946.
Harris and Evelyn (Krogstad) were married May 29, 1948, and settled on the family farm west of Kennedy where they raised their family and attended Red River Lutheran Church.
After returning from the service, Harris farmed with his father, Edwin, then on his own, and later with his son, Bruce, and grandson Carey, a 60-year legacy of farming over four generations.
After moving off the farm to their new house in Hallock in 2006, Harris would still go to the farm and do tillage, etc., until he was 87 years old. To his last days, Harris was interested in everything happening at the farm and loved going for rides to check out the crops.
In earlier years, his winter months were spent painting and staining woodwork in many homes in the area. In retirement years, he and Evie enjoyed a winter home in Apache Junction, Ariz. His interests included hunting at deer camp, traveling, camping and fishing.
Harris is survived by his children: Robert (Ilene) Mortenson of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Nancy (Paul) Johnson of Staples, Minn.; Bruce (Mary) Mortenson of Kennedy; Barbara (Kirk) Costin of Hallock; and Julie (Bryan) Younggren of Hallock. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren: Heather Mortenson, Tony (Simone) Mortenson, Ryan (Kia) Johnson, Nicole (Paul) Johnson, Drew Mortenson (Kelly Sjoblom), Kelly (John) Wilson, Carey (Taryn) Mortenson, Justin (Korianne) Mortenson, Kirsten (Brandon) Shimpa, Kate (Justin) Thompson, Natalie (Jeremiah) Halley, Cara (Kevin) Peterson, Blake (Tiffany) Younggren, Britta (Luke) Nordin, Aaron (Skyler) Younggren, and Jesse Younggren (Sierra Karboviak). Harris is survived by 30 great-grandchildren; sister, Marcia Severson; brother, David Mortenson; sister-in-law, Jackie Mortenson; as well as many nephews and nieces.
Harris was preceded in death by Evie, his loving wife of 71 years; his parents; sisters, Betty (Vernon) Wicklund and Marian (Donald) Pearson; brother, Daniel Mortenson; and brother-in-law, Dean Severson. Also preceded in death by sisters-in-law, Helen (Ferdie) Johnson, Edna (Walter) Lundberg; and Krogstad brothers-in-law, Odin (Agnes), Elmer (Ethel), Alfred (Frances), Harold (Ethel), Bert and Ronald (Mabel).
The family would like to thank the staff and physicians at Kittson Memorial Healthcare for their loving care and attention. As a loving couple holding hands, Harris’ dedication to Evie was an inspiration to all.
Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019, at 11 a.m. in Red River Lutheran Church, rural Kennedy. Interment will be in Red River Cemetery. Rev. Frank Johnson, presiding; Darrell Lindgren, organist, and Galen Nordin, soloist. Casket bearers will be Harris’ grandchildren. Visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m.
Austin Funeral Chapel, Hallock, is in charge of the arrangements. www.austinfuneralchapel.com.
