Louie Donald Mortenson Sr., 87, of New Richland, Minn., died Monday, April 30, 2012, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea, from complications of a stroke.

Louie was born June 4, 1924, in Hartland Township to Louis and Agnes (Mucha) Mortenson. He married the love of his life and best friend, Marcelene Marcella Martin in Wells, Minn. on June 27, 1948. They built a new home on their homesite where they resided. They were married for 62 years. Marcelene preceded him in death on March 2, 2011.

There are many words that we could use to describe our dad. The man was known as dad, father, farmer, brother, grandpa, great-grandpa, “sonny boy,” uncle, story teller, poet, singer, avid gardener, steward of the earth and friend. He lived his life with determination and dedication. He loved his life as a farmer and passed that trait to his daughters, sons, sons-in-law, granddaughters and grandsons. He was proud of his life and family.

He is survived by loving family who will miss him dearly: Anna Kathleen (John) Kern, Louanna Mortenson-Pederson, Candy (Robert) Klimpel, Marcy (John) Thisius, Louie Jr. “Bronco”(Penny) Mortenson, Robert (Lisa) Mortenson and Donald (Holly) Mortenson; grandchildren, Collete (Brian) Burandt, Dustin (Danielle) Kern, Nicholas (Lisa) Pederson, Emmylou (Robert) Allen, Lacey Pederson (special friend Jason Sajdak), Rachel and Melanie Klimpel, Sarah Thisius and fiance Eric Willaert, Lindsey Greff, Kirsten Thisius (special friend Chad Guentzel), Louie “Weston” and Cody Mortenson (special friend Stacia Tatarek), Ashley Mortenson, Marissa and Sadie Mortenson; great-grandchildren, Carlie and Jaden Burandt, Davis and Dreya Kern, Aleesha, Dominick, Jaxon and Colton Lou (due in July) Pederson, Annabelle and Ethan Allen, Connor, Bella and Grayson Willaert, Amelia and Abigail Greff and Emma Mortenson. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marcelene; and three sisters and their husbands, Hattie (Ingevold) Frandle, Audrey (Barney) LaRue and Leona (Herman) Olson.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 5, 2012, at 11 a.m. at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Wells. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the church until the time of the service. Father Niehaus will officiate, and burial will take place in Rosehill Cemetery in Wells. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells is in charge of the arrangements.

Our lives have truly been blessed having him. He will be sorely missed. Blessed be his memory.