Douglas Mortenson, age 72, of Lake Park, MN died on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, under the care of his family and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Born on August 8, 1951, in Ogema, MN, Douglas was the youngest of 12 children born to Fred and Gladys (Larson) Mortenson. He attended school in Ogema before dedicating his efforts to helping with farming. After a few years, Doug enlisted in the United States Army in December of 1970 and honorably served his country stationed in Germany. After his discharge in 1972, he returned to northern Minnesota and began working on a potato farm in Glyndon. Fate intervened when his sisters introduced him to Ruth Boulais, the love of his life. They married in November of 1973 and were blessed with two children: Tina and Ron. Their journey led them from Moorhead to Glyndon and eventually to Dilworth, where Doug actively volunteered with the fire department. In 1984, they settled in Lake Park, which became the place they called home. Doug put his natural construction skills and unwavering dedication to work at Gullard Construction and part-time as a beet truck driver for Kuehl Farms, totaling almost four decades of commitment. Ruth passed away in 1996. Even after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Doug courageously confronted this challenge for nearly 17 years. When faced with a recent terminal diagnosis, he remained headstrong in his determination to reach his 72nd birthday, which he succeeded.

Beyond his work, Doug found joy in the outdoors. Hunting and fishing were passions that brought him solace and adventure. He could often be found enjoying pull tabs while enjoying a cold Coors Light. With his jovial and teasing personality, Doug had a candid way of speaking his mind, always genuine and unapologetically himself.

Doug is survived by his daughter, Tina Mortenson; son, Ron Mortenson; grandchildren: Kenzie (Tanner) Wang, Hunter Green (Molly), Colton Green (Lexi), Caitlin Green (Kyle), Alexa Mortenson, and Cole Mortenson; great-grandchildren: Rylee Wang, Hudson Green, and Parker Green; sisters: Lindas Ruziska, Ida Mae Anderson, and Pat Benson; and many nieces and nephews. Doug was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ruth; granddaughter, Alivia Mortenson; brothers: Harland, Warren, Clifford, Wayne, and Merlin; and sisters: Mavis, Louella, and Ramona.

A memorial service will be held Monday, August 14, 2023, at 2:00pm, with visitation one hour prior, at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Twin Valley, MN.