Virgil Mortenson

Virgil Arcade Mortenson was born October 16, 1924 in Big Stone County, north of Correll, Minnesota, the son of Martin and Mary Mortenson. He passed away October 3, 2009 at the Granite Falls Manor in Granite Falls, Minnesota. Virgil was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at Correll Lutheran Church. He attended and graduated from Correll Public School. Virgil spent most of his early life farming with his father north of Correll. In addition to corn and grain farming, he was very proud of the Brown Swiss dairy herds they tended over the years. On September 23, 1951 he was united in marriage to Louise LaCombe from Ortonville, Minnesota. To this union two sons were born. They made their home on the family farm. In 1970, he decided it was time to quit farming. He went to work at Fingerhut in Benson, where the family lived and both his boys graduated from Benson High School. Shortly after Fingerhut closed, Virgil and Louise moved to Granite Falls. He attended Granite Falls Technical College and received his associates degree in Fluid Power. He worked as a machinist for many years. It was interesting work and he really enjoyed it. Due to failing eye sight, he retired and remained active doing maintenance work at Henry Hill Apartments and River View Apartments for several more years. Virgil always was interested in learning. He enjoyed reading and woodworking, cross word puzzles and following the Vikings and Twins and all sports on TV. He was a fun loving and caring man, always enjoying the time spent with his grandchildren. He was a lifelong member of the church and had a quiet, strong faith. He rarely raised his voice in anger and kept his pleasant and quiet nature all the way to the end. He will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him. Virgil is survived by his wife Louise of Granite Falls; sons: Jerry (Kathy) Mortenson of St. Charles, Missouri; Brian (Sue) Mortenson of Wahpeton, North Dakota; 3 grandchildren: John Mortenson, Matthew Mortenson and Adam Mortenson all of Wahpeton, North Dakota; 3 step grandchildren: Steven (Susan) Lindenberg of Springfield, Missouri, Rev David (Amy) Lindenberg of Rapid City, South Dakota, Julie (Matthew) Ballard of St. Peters, Missouri; 4 step great grandchildren: Jacob and Gretchen Lindenberg (David's) and Hannah and Maya Ballard (Julie's); sister Mavis (Bill) Beck of Lewiston, Idaho; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.