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SWEA CITY -- Robert "Bob" A. Mortensen died peacefully Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, at the age of 91. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, at United Methodist Church in Swea City, Iowa, with visitation from 10-11 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Harrison Township Cemetery, rural Swea City.
Robert Allen Mortensen was born July 24, 1931, in Dolliver, Iowa, son of Adolph and Dina (Hanson) Mortensen of Swea City. Robert attended Swea City public school and graduated in 1951. In May 1952, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Bermuda. He was part of the Honor Guard for Queen Elizabeth's visit to Bermuda and the G4 Western Summit with President Eisenhower. He was honorably discharged in 1954. On Oct. 9, 1952. Robert was united in marriage to Karen Vogel. This union was blessed with 4 children: Karol, Robin, Tom and Terri. Bob was blessed with many talents; most of his career he was well known for his mechanical abilities and his dedication and service to his family and community. Bob worked for his parents' feed business, Mort-O-Dine Feed and Mortensen Case Implement business before working as a mechanic for Ford Motor until his retirement in 1991. At that time they began wintering in Apache Junction, Ariz. until this past year. He served as a member of the Swea City Fire Department for 54 years with 15 years as the Fire Chief. Bob was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Swea City and sang in the choir for several years. He was actively involved with the Masons, Shriners, and the American Legion. During free time over the years, he enjoyed camping, golfing, watching sports, motorcycle riding, dirt biking in the desert and taking up stained glass art. He was known for his warm, friendly smile, gentle nature and willingness to always lend a hand to anyone. Most importantly, was his love of family and the time he was able to spend with them. Left to cherish his memory include his wife of over 70 years, Karen Mortensen of Swea City; daughters, Karol Mortensen (Liz) of Gold Canyon, Ariz., Robin Arndorfer (Richard) of Bancroft, Iowa; son, Tom Mortensen (Julie); daughter, Terri Jergenson (Jeff) of Algona, Iowa; grandchildren, Brent (Lindsay), Bryan (Laura), Bradley, Burke (Carrie) Arndorfer, Dustin (Laci) Mortensen, and Paige (Brandon) Baade; step-grandchildren, Jacob (Marisa) Jergenson, Landon, Nolan and Bronson Jergenson; great-grandchildren, Delaney, Vayda, Ruby, Fiona and Jade Arndorfer, Lincoln and Chevelle Baade, Hayden, Savannah and Bennett Mortensen, Jackson and Mackenzie Jergenson; brother, Don Mortensen (Iva) of Fairmont, Minn.; sisters, Ida Mae Erickson of Fairmont, Minn., Ruth Lazar of Phoenix, Ariz., brother-in-law, Bill Vogel; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Dina Mortensen; brothers, Dean, Vern, Ralph; sister, Irene Rhoda; father and mother-in-law, D.C. and Lucille Vogel; and various in-laws.