Linda A. Mortensen, 79, Hartley

Linda Ann (Wilken) Mortensen was born on Oct. 29, 1941, to George and Helen (Dyhrkoop) Wilken. She grew up on the family farm outside of Everly and graduated from Everly High School in 1959. She then attended the Iowa Business College in Cedar Rapids, earning an accounting degree.

Linda married Leland Van Houten in 1962 and had two children, Christopher and Paula. The couple later divorced. She then married Frank Mortensen on Nov. 4, 1967 at Hope Lutheran Church in Everly and was blessed with two more children, Patrick and Laurie.

Linda moved to the Community Memorial Health Center in Hartley in 2018 following her husband’s death. During her time there she enjoyed watching soap operas and westerns, and loved playing Bingo and all the other activities offered there. She especially loved visiting with loved ones and writing letters.

Linda passed away at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D., on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at the age of 79.

Left to cherish her memory are her children; Paula (Mark Harrington) Miller, of Odebolt; Patrick Mortensen, of Cherokee; and Laurie (Jim) Hill, of Poquoson, Va.; her sisters: Janice (Kenny) Johnson, of Gilbert, Ariz.; and Sandra Harms, of Chester Springs, Pa.; and her brother, Gordon (Nori) Wilken, of Everly. She is also survived by her five grandchildren: Jessica (Shawn) Russell, Ashley Miller, J.J., Christopher and Landon Hill; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frank; her infant son, Christopher; sisters: Clara Goeken and Susan Espey; and brother-in-law, Edwin Harms.

The family will hold a memorial service at a later date. Warner Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.