Donald Mortensen

Donald Dean Mortensen was born on May 19, 1929 in Emmett, ID outside of Boise to Norrall and Esther Mortensen. He was the third of seven children.  Being raised during the Depression was a challenge for the family and even more difficult when Norrall abandoned his family when Don was seven years old.  His mother Esther was the principal and teacher for the one room schoolhouse in Emmett.  Fortunately, Grandpa and Grandma Mortensen helped the family out.  Don learned many things from his grandfather and could fix almost anything.  Despite the financial hardships, Don always spoke fondly of his childhood.  He loved peaches, watermelon and Bing cherries.

He was a Korean War veteran.  He met his beloved wife Kathleen “Kay” Mary Thoden when he travelled to Denver for his brother Kenneth’s wedding.  Kay was there with her best friend, Phyllis who was the cousin of the bride, Eileen.  He converted to the Catholic faith so that he and Kay could be married in the Church and he knew and loved his faith.

He worked at Armco Steel Corporation starting on the assembly line putting rivets into culvert pipes.  He went to night school at Denver University on the GI Bill and got his degree.  He also worked in the credit department and accounting and retired as the plant foreman.

He was very active at his parish Notre Dame as an usher, Sacristan for daily Masses and money counter.  He was a man of great faith who loved being at Mass and praying the rosary with Kay in the evening.  He loved having a “project” to do.  He loved the mountains, fishing and looked forward to elk hunting in the fall.  He was always willing to lend a hand with whatever someone needed.

He is preceded in death by his mother Esther, his daughter Cynthia Marie Kissell, great-granddaughters Taylor Marie and Stacy Ann Janssen and five of his siblings, Kenneth, Cleone, Noreen, Colleen and Gail.  His eldest sister, Ann is still living.

He is survived by his wife Kay, Kathleen Nuss (Larry), Steve Mortensen, Karen Mauro (John).  Eight grandchildren:  Michael, Melissa, Amanda, Caleb, Therese, Nicholas, Clare and Anthony along with fourteen great-grandchildren.  He was a great man of God, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be missed.

Well done good and faithful servant…   Matthew 25:21

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