Verden N. Mortensen, 93
Posted: Wednesday, Aug 3rd, 2011SANFORD — Verden N. Mortensen, 93, was born on August 2, 1918 on the family ranch in Sanford, Colorado where he grew up.
Verden married Doris Dunn in Sanford, Colo. on March 21, 1937, then four days later were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple on March 25, 1937. They began their married life on the ranch north of Sanford. After a few years Verden went to road construction in N.M. to help support the farm and family. After 23 years of road construction he returned to the work he loved most, the ranch, to raise sheep and cattle. He continued ranching to the age of 79 when he sold the ranch and retired to watch innumerable basketball, football and baseball games and enjoy life at home with his family. Verden loved for his family to come see him. As anyone opened the door to enter the home he always greeted them with a hearty “come in the house, did you bring something to eat?” That greeting will be greatly missed by all.
Verden passed away on his 93rd birthday August 2nd 2011.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Effie Mortensen, one brother, Dolan, his sister Lena Sowards, and four great grandchildren.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 74 years, Doris, at the family home in Sanford, eight children, DeAnn Cornum (Dale) of La Jara, Rosalie Williams (Al) of Mesa, Ariz., Jeanne Price (Leo) of La Jara, Mary Lyne Parker (Blake) of Sanford, Gary Mortensen (Julie) of Salt Lake City, Utah, Delores Niebel (Paul) of Sanford, Susan Reed (Mark) of Canon City, and Kathy Millward (Kelly) of Salida, 28 grandchildren, 81 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, his brothers Floyd Mortensen (Ellen) of La Jara, Gaylon Mortensen (Doris Mae) of Sanford, and Wayne Mortensen (Janice) of Bountiful, Utah, and many nieces and nephews.
A Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday August 6, 2011 at the Sanford 2nd Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. A visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Friday August 5th at the Rogers Family Mortuary in Manassa. Burial will follow services in the Sanford Cemetery.
For additional information please contact Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa.
