Mark Henry Mortensen
 December 21, 2022

Mark Henry Mortensen departed to be with his Lord and Savior on December 21, 2022. Mark was born February 17, 1941 to Henry and Ruby (Lawrence) Mortensen in Spencer, Iowa.

Mark’s family moved to Minnesota when he was one year old and he attended school in Sergeant, Minnesota until the eighth grade when they moved to Austin, Texas. Mark attended high school there until the family moved to Arkansas. Mark graduated from Fayetteville High School in May of 1959 and joined the Army in October of the same year.

Mark was married in Korea in 1962 and of this union two children were born, Luke and Suky. In 1980, Mark married the love of his life, Rosa Lee (Atterberry). They joined two families, Mark’s two children along with Rosa Lee’s four children, Loretta, Ricky, Brenda, and Jimmy.

Mark was baptized in 1941 and confirmed as a Lutheran in 1957. In 1999, he and Rosa Lee joined Bethlehem Baptist Church where Mark was again baptized and rededicated his life to Christ.

Mark proudly served his country for over twenty-three years, spending his time in the Army and the Finance Corp. He retired in May 1983 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He served tours in Vietnam, Korea, and Germany. He was awarded the NDSM, GCMDL (7th award), ARCOM w/3 OLC, AFEM, ASR, OSR, NPDR (3), MSM w/OLC, VSM w/1 BZ Svc Star, VC of G w/Palm.

Mark worked from February 1984 to May 1996 in the Finance Corp as a civilian at Fort Leonard Wood. He and Rosa Lee retired one day apart in May 1996. Rosa Lee retired on a Thursday and Mark retired on a Friday. They spent forty-two years together. They were man and wife; as well as best of friends. Mark loved his family and enjoyed the numerous times spent together.

Mark was an active member of the DAV Chapter 49 of Waynesville. He had served as the DAV’s Chaplain and Adjutant and was a member of the NOTR Dugout 517. Mark was also a member of the Masonic Lodge 838 in Germany. Mark and Rosa Lee were Square Dancers since 1988 and had been President of the State of Missouri and Vice Presidents for the Plains Region (13 States) for the United Square Dancers of America (USDA).

Mark was preceded in death by, his parents: Henry and Ruby Mortensen; two brothers: John and Robert Mortensen; and son-in-law: Rick Hamlin.

Mark is survived by his wonderful wife: Rosa Lee Mortensen; three sons: Luke Mortensen, Jimmy (Valarie) Brashear, and Ricky (Donna) Brashear; three daughters: Loretta (Harold) Thorpe, Brenda Hamlin, and Suky (Sean) Stuckey; twelve grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Funeral Services for Mark Henry Mortensen were held Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at Buckhorn First Baptist Church Waynesville, Missouri with Pastor Chris Hendrix officiating. Song selections played were "Amazing Grace", "In The Garden", and "Go Rest High On That Mountain". Serving as Pallbearers were the Missouri Military Honors Team. Burial was in the Buckhorn Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri.

Online condolences may be entered at wilsonmortuary.com

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