Vernon H. Mortenson

Vernon H. Mortenson, age 81, of Litchfield died at his home on Saturday, January 27, 2018. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 1, 2018, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Wednesday, January 31st at the Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home in Litchfield and an hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Ripley Cemetery with military honors provided by the Litchfield Military Honor Guard. Vernon Henry Mortenson, the son of Henry and Jennie (Olson) Mortenson, was born on November 4, 1936, south of Litchfield. He grew up on the farm south Litchfield, graduating from Litchfield High School in 1954. After school he farmed for a short time and also worked for First District. He served in the US Army from 1958 until 1959 and was stationed in Okinawa. Vernon return to Litchfield and worked for Ideal Lumber for a short time. On July 2, 1966, he was united in marriage to Wanda Wagner. They made their home on the original farm he was born and continued to engage in farming. He worked at 3M for 32 years, retiring in 1996. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. Vernon loved sports. He participated in many sporting events and could also give facts about sports history. He enjoyed golfing, bowling and running. He participated in many local running road races, golf league and bowling league. He also loved to travel, going to such places as the Caribbean, Texas, Alaska, California and Florida with plans for a trip to Washington D.C. in March. After a stroke put an end to his running, he was devoted to his work out time at the fitness center. He enjoyed having coffee with his friends. He loved to watch his children and grandchildren in their sporting events, traveling to most away games and meets. Vernon enjoyed living in the country and walking on his land. He is survived by his wife Wanda of Litchfield., children Mark Mortenson (and Tami Watt) of Litchfield, Stacia (and Jameson) Wakefield of Buffalo; grandchildren Alec, Brady and Brock Wakefield. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Erma Marking.