E. Ed Mortensen

E. Ed Mortensen, age 87, passed away Saturday, January 31, 2015 at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center. Ed was born in Detroit, Michigan, March 2, 1927, son of the late Eric and Gladys (Nee: Duffy) Mortensen and moved to Racine at the age of 3.

Ed served in United States Navy (enlisting as soon as he was able at age 17) from 1945-46 aboard a Mine Sweeper in the Pacific Ocean as a Signalman. Upon returning home he met and married the love of his life, Patricia C. Christensen on November 20, 1948 at Trinity Methodist Church, and they shared 66 years together.

Ed was employed by Hartman Luggage, Massey-Fergus, and Acme Office Equipment Co. He then began selling insurance with Mutual of Omaha, Allstate, and Humana Insurance. In 1986 he and his partner, David Obernberger began their own group insurance called Cipco, Ltd, retiring a few years ago.

Ed was active in his early life with Racine Jr. Chamber of Commerce. He managed the Racine Symphony Orchestra for 10 years starting in the late 50’s when the Symphony was struggling and was instrumental on getting them back on the “feet” and bringing great soloists and musicians to Racine. Presenting the “Messiah” was a great success.

Ed was also instrumental in founding the “Legacy Project” which combined all Veterans’ groups in Racine where they opened a veterans’ museum and worked toward obtaining a permanent home for the groups. Ed proudly served his fellow veterans through the Veterans of Foreign Wars serving on Local, District and State levels as their Commander. He also served on many National Committees and helped to make many important changes on the State level. He was a strong mentor to so many.

An avid golfer and bowler, Ed was the Secretary of the V.F.W. League for many years and bowled in the League for over 50 years. He loved playing cards, traveling, going on cruises – and visiting Las Vegas.

Survivors include his loving wife of sixty-six years, Patricia; his daughter-in-law, Laura Mortensen of Fayetteville, AR; his grandchildren, David (Jackie) Mortensen, Leigh (Jeremy) Vaughn, all of Fayetteville, AR; sisters-in-law, Joyce Christensen, Nancy Koykkari, both of Racine, Diane Mortensen of Brighton, MI; nieces and nephews, Kris (Julie) Koykkari, Kimberly (James) Yoghourtjian, all of Racine, Sandra (Robert) Henson, Scott (Patty) Mortensen, Kirk (Lesley) Mortensen, all of Brighton, MI, Karen Robert of Milford, MI; 11 great nieces and nephews; cousins, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son, Paul M. Mortensen who passed away on August 8, 2013; and his only brother, Sterling Mortensen who passed away November of 1998.

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 6, 2015, 11:00 A.M. at the funeral home with Rev. Warren Williams officiating. Interment with Full Military Honors will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Thursday at the funeral home from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. (Veterans Service at 7:00 P.M.) and Friday at the funeral home from 10:00 A.M. until time of service at 11:00 A.M. Memorials to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church have been suggested.

A special thank you to Wheaton Franciscan ICU nurses for their loving and compassionate care.