Robert Berkley Mortensen

On February 24, 2022, Robert Berkley Mortensen found a peaceful, shallow place to cross the river.  He felt no sting of death as Jesus held his hand and carried him into the presence of God.

Bob (as everyone called him) resided in Mt. Vernon, Texas for the past six years.  Texas was his "adopted" home state for the past forty years.  He was born on December 10, 1933, in St. Paul Minnesota and was the second son to Nicholas and Emily Mortensen.  Bob was married and is survived by his wife, Mary.  They shared happiness, joy and so many blessings together. He is remembered with love by Dan and wife Vicki Mortensen, David and wife Patty Mortensen, Jeffrey and wife Rhonda Whitaker, Rachel and husband William Baisden.   He was blessed with 17 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, and 7 great, great grandchildren. And, oh how he loved them.  They meant more to him than any of them will ever know. 

He is preceded in death by parents Nicholas and Emily Mortensen, brother James Mortensen, and daughter Kristi Motko.

Bob attended the University of Minnesota where he graduated with a BA degree in 1955.  While earning his degree at the University, he worked fulltime for the American Red Cross.  He later transition to the retail industry and concluded that career path as Executive Vice President of Operations for Gabberts Furniture and Design Studio.  In that capacity he designed and oversaw the construction of the Gabberts Furniture and Design Studio in Dallas. Later, his diversified business interests led him to becoming a financial advisor for Fidelity Investments.   

Painting and carving were two of his favorite hobbies.  He enjoyed composing Still Life and Landscape art.  He loved taking blocks of wood and turning them into whimsical creatures.  Although he had no formal training, he was a talented pianist who, in his youth, entertained his neighborhood on hot summer nights playing Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" as they sat on their porches  

Bob found minutes and sometimes hours of peace when he turned to the Word of God.  He loved spending time studying God's Word.  That time with God made complicated issues of life seem small.  He understood that there will be places along the path that may temporarily distract him, but his focus would no longer be on the diversions he encounter here, but on his eternal dwelling place.  He claimed God's forgiveness.  He also took joy in sharing his faith with new believers to help root them in the fundamental doctrines of the faith.  Monday nights with his Pathfinders pals was especially important to him as they ministered and shared God's word with the Franklin County inmates.  

What a legacy. What a life. Bob would want each of us to know that the greatest adventure in life--knowing God--begins at the Cross of Christ and ends with a "Hallelujah!"  

A Celebration of Life service will be on March 5, 2022 at 1:00 at the First Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon, Texas.

Service entrusted to Sam B. Harvey Funeral Home.                                         

www.samharveyfuneralhome.com

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