Ronald Dean Mortensen

Funeral Service for Ronald D. Mortensen age 85 of Neligh, Nebraska will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 31, 2024 at Neligh American Legion with Pastor Jeff Schipper Officiating.  Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will be Thursday, May 30, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Beyer Snider Memorial Funeral Home in Neligh.  Ron passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2024 at Faith Regional Hospital in Norfolk, Nebraska.  Beyer Snider Memorial Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.  Condolences may be directed to the family at www.beyersnidermemorialfh.com  

     Ronald Dean Mortensen was born in Poplar, Iowa on December 20, 1938, the son of Edward and Margaret (Madsen) Mortensen, and spent his growing up years on the family farm in Audubon County. He graduated from Audubon High School in 1957, married the love of his life Marlene Kuntzweiler in 1958, and they started their family.  He did farm work, car sales, and worked as the Manager of Hi-Way Implement Co. in Audubon.  He and his son Mike owned and operated RAM Oil Company in Neligh for many years.  Ron accepted Jesus as his Saviour in 1961.  Unashamed of the Gospel and fearless in his faith, he was ordained as a minister in 1971, serving as pastor of First Christian Church in Audubon, and then at the Church of Christ in Neligh. Ron taught himself how to play the guitar, and he, Marlene and their 7 children spent many years traveling, singing gospel music and sharing the love of Christ as the Mortensen 9.  His life was centered on his love of God, love of family, love of friends, and love of people who were hurting and needed a helping hand.  He always said it was so easy to change a person’s day with a smile, a word, a deed, and that is the legacy he has left his family to carry on.  

     Ron was predeceased by his beloved and cherished wife, Marlene Mortensen; daughter Katherine Mortensen; grandson Jason Mortensen; great grandson Tripp Svoboda; his parents; his brother Dennis Mortensen, and sister Delreen Bills. 

     He is survived by his children: Mike Mortensen (Danielle), Julie Kochan (Mike), Lance Mortensen (Stephanie), Steve Mortensen (Amy), Margie Mortensen and Angie Mortensen; 11 grandchildren and their spouses; 26 great grandchildren; sisters Janice Clausen, Marcia Storjohann, and Teresa Schroeder; fiancé Judy Cole; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.