Ervin Mortensen

Ervin "Erv" Mortensen passed away Friday, Jan. 14, 2011, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Ervin Eugene Mortensen was born Sept. 5, 1935, to Marvin and Grace (Krause) Mortensen on the family farm near Mason City. He attended school in Mason City through the 9th grade, when his father's illness required him to help on the farm. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in the late 1950s, and served at Fort Bragg, N.C. before doing a tour of duty in Germany. Erv was married to Sue Stevenson June 11, 1961. To this union four children were born: Timothy Ray, Jimmy Dean, Jody Kent and Tanya LaRece. The couple later divorced. Erv married Barb Lauer July 4, 1976, on the Lauer farm near Merna. To this union was born daughter, Christine Marie. Erv worked at Bow Oil and L&W Tire, but spent most of his life as a truck driver, both over the road and construction. He worked for Western Engineering for many years, and also for Critter Trucking until his retirement in 2008. He also enjoyed helping out on the farm whenever he got a chance, working on both the Krause and Lauer family farms through the years. November 24, 1992, he was married to Betty Harmon. They made their home in Callaway. He was a member of the American Legion Post of Callaway. Erv never knew a stranger and always had a million stories to share with anyone with a listening ear. He had a great sense of humor and loved a good practical joke. He was happiest when outdoors, whether it was hunting, fishing or working in his garden. Many of his neighbors enjoyed the bounty of fresh vegetables from Erv's garden during the summer. He also loved working on cars, and could often be found under the hood of a car. He loved to cook and can, and his cinnamon rolls and chocolate chip cookies were always family favorites. Visitors to Erv's house were usually greeted with a cup of coffee, a baked goodie and a great story. Those stories will be treasured and shared by all who knew him. Erv is survived by four children, Jim of Callaway, Jody (Ellen) of Broken Bow, Tanya Allen of Broken Bow, and Christine (Guy) Holloway of Broken Bow; step-daughter, Misty (Eddie) Garza of Sody Daisy, Tenn.; daughter-in-law, Tracy Mortensen of Grand Island and sons Tyler and Steven; brothers, Lee (Sherry), Lynn (Vickie), Everett (Joyce), all of Idaho, and Rich (Anne) of California; one sister, Kay (Lee) Winegar of Idaho; special friend, Evelyn Rich of Ansley; grandchildren, Ann (Chris) Scott of Gothenburg, Adam Holland of Lincoln, AJ (Tara Taul) Holland of Broken Bow, and Aron (Arlene Smith) Holland of Lincoln, Chelsey (Tommy) Haywood of Broken Bow, Megan Allen and Shelby Allen of Broken Bow, Matt, Corey and Zackary Holloway of Broken Bow, and Jordis and Jada Garza of Tennessee; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Timothy Ray; brother, Bill; and step-daughter Margeret. Funeral services were Jan. 18 in Govier Brothers Chapel in Broken Bow, with the Rev. Kathy Salts officiating. Inurnment will be in the Mason City Cemetery at a later date. Govier Brothers Mortuary of Broken Bow was in charge of arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the family or the donor's choice.