John Martin Mortensen, 87, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 7, 2021, in the home of his son Martin and daughter-in-law Vicki, where he had been living for the last 19 years.
John was born the fifth of 8 children in the family home in Virden, N.M. in 1934. He is preceded in death by his parents, Winnie and Hans, his wife, Nancy, daughter Trena Babers. Larry Mortensen is his last surviving sibling.
He is survived by his sons, Martin (Vicki), Terry, and Andy; daughters, Kathy Beacraft and Janine Gage. He has 14 grandchildren 29 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
Whenever he was asked what he wanted to be said about his life he jokingly would reply “I was born, I worked, I died.” This is a very true statement. He was a hard worker throughout his life. Especially in his later years, he loved to get out and work around the property.
The grandkids loved to watch as he cracked nuts in the living room and anyone who received a special treat of a bag full of shelled pecans. He also loved when the great-grandkids came and he would have races against them on his scooter seeing if he could beat them in their gator or on their bikes. His devious smile as he teased them about winning will be missed.
Viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Duncan Stake Center. Funeral services will follow at 10:00 a.m. with interment will in the Virden Cemetery.
Arrangments are cared for by McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel located at 112 E. Main Street, Safford, Arizona, 85546, 928-428-1740.
Online condolences can be sent at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com
