Lence Mortensen

LENCE MORTENSEN Click here to view Lence's Video Tribute IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Lence Kent Mortensen returned home to his Heavenly Father on the morning of September 6, 2009, while on business in Great Falls, Montana. Lence was born to Lee Kent Mortensen and Linda Kay Sommers on August 13, 1977, in Tacoma, Washington. Lence grew up in a variety of places including Washington, Kansas, South Carolina, Germany, and Hawaii while his father served in the United States Army. When his father retired from the military, the family moved to Roy, Utah. Lence graduated from Roy high School in 1995. He was an Eagle Scout and a an LDS Seminary graduate. As a youth, he participated in swimming, track, soccer, baseball, basketball, and earned his black belt in Karate. Lence received his Bachelor’s Degree in mathematics from BYU and went on to receive a Master’s in finance. He also earned an MBA degree from Auburn University. Lence was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved his Heavenly Father and served an honorable LDS mission from 1996-1998 in Perth, Australia. He served as a primary teacher, a scout committee Chairman, Elder’s Quorum secretary, a home teacher, and many other callings. While at BYU, he met the love of his life, Paige E. Bentley, from Billings, Montana. They were married for eternity in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on April 28, 1999. His greatest joy was his four beautiful little girls and long-awaited baby boy. Lence was a dedicated father and enjoyed taking his girls to the local swimming pool every week and teaching them to swim. He looked forward to spending time teaching his son and doing all the father / son activities. He was devoted to Paige, his sweetheart. He was a gentle, humble, man and had a quiet strength, which will be missed by all who knew him. Lence has a great love for his country and he wanted to fly, so he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in various places, including Great Falls, Montana. Lence progressed to the rank of Captain and received an honorable discharge from the military in 2005. After leaving the military, he moved his little family to Idaho Falls. At the time of his death, he was CFO for Qal-Tek. Recently, Lence became a serious student of the Constitution and was very passionate about its principles of liberty and freedom. He wanted to share this passion with others and tried to teach those around him of these principles that were so important to him. He and Paige had plans to have more children and eventually go on missions together for their church. Lence is survived by his wife, Paige, his beautiful little girls: Laurie age 8, Megan 7, Rachel 5, and Hannah 2, and his son Michael, 8 months, his father, Lee Kent Mortensen and step-mother Karen of Roy, Utah; his siblings, Lasha K (Kevin) Hartshorn of Orem, Utah; Linlee K (Thomas) Bendheim of Roy, Utah; Landon K (Janell) Mortensen of San Antonio, Texas; Laren K (Kristen) Mortensen of Irvine, California; Loren K (Nina) Mortensen of Provo, Utah; and Luke K Mortensen of Roy, Utah; grandmother Bessie Sommers of Idaho Falls, ID; Mother-In-Law, Shari (Dave) Russell and Father-in-Law, William (Liane) Bentley of Billings, MT; and many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Kay, his grandparents, James and Zelda Mortensen, and his grandfather, Samuel Sommers, Jr. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 12, 2009, at the Idaho Falls LDS Thayerwood Ward, 5255 South 5th West, with Bishop Richard Dyer officiating. The family will visit with friends Friday evening from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Wood East Side, 963 South Ammon Road, and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. The family will hold a private burial following funeral services. Military rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Memorial Veterans Team and the Idaho Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Lence’s name to the Lence Mortensen Benefit Memorial Fund at any branch of Wells Fargo Bank, or mail to Wells Fargo Bank, 320 A Street, Idaho Falls, ID 83402. --------------------------------------------- Condolences Received Online: Ina Mulberry iinasue@aol.com I worked with Lence at Home Depot. I just want you to know that I am so sorry for your loss. Lence was a very kind man. I just pray for your family. Montana Council, Boy Scouts of America To the Family of Lence Mortensen, Our deepest sympathy to all of you at this time of great sorrow. We grieve with you over this tragic death. Lence was an Eagle Scout, which tells us that he had wonderful characteristics-- trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. Please know that Montana Boy Scouts and leaders' thoughts and prayers are with you. Respectfully, Montana Council of the Boy Scouts of America Georgia Kilpatrick gakilpatrick@aol.com I am shocked and saddened by the news of Lence. I remember teaching him in Sunday School. He always kept me on my toes. He was such a sweet boy. Our family sends their love and will keep your family in our prayers. The Kilpatricks Lawton, OK Ann Marie Bacak You have my heartfelt sympathies during this time of grief. My families thoughts and prayers will be with you. Susan Stratton Harding girasolsue@gmail.com I recently learned of the passing of Lence and wanted to write you of my deepest sympathy. I attended high school and church with Lence in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. I remember him to be a soft spoken and nice guy. He was kind and a true role model to the younger boys at church. I am so sorry for your loss. You and your families are in my prayers. Love, Susan Stratton Harding John and Sharon Virgin john@argmt.net We are so sorry for your family's loss. Lence was a friend, a fellow Realtor,and a partner to us. We will miss him. We were always impressed by Lence's easy maner, gentle ways and his intellagence. We know how much he loved Paige and his children. American Realty Group Great Falls, MT Mike & Diane Myers myersins@gmail.com We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Learning of Lence's background and faithfulness in the gospel brings home how wonderful a man he is. We share in a small part your loss and wish you Heavenly Father's tender love and watchful care. Michelle Wallace mwallace@rideuta.com Dear Lee and Karen, I am so very sorry for your loss. I can't imagine what you are feeling, but please know that I will be praying for your comfort and peace. God bless you and your family. Much love, Michelle Wallace Jeannine Larsen Even though we've never known Lence, my husband and I wept this morning as we read his obituary. We want your family to know we are so very, very sorry. We have a son that age and could relate to a lot of the things he has done, but the scope of what Lence accomplished in his short time on earth is truly remarkable. When we saw the flag, showing he's a veteran, we were especially touched. Please know how grateful we are for his service to our country and for defending our freedom. We send our love and deepest sympathy. Jason and Shaina Adams Dear Paige, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time. We are grateful for the opportunity we had to know you and Lence in Great Falls. We know that Lence will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. Josh Radford I worked with Lence at the Home Depot. He was a kind and compassionate man who showed true concern for his fellow coworker. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. Frank Hinckley Our family is deeply saddened by your loss. Our heartfelt condolences, and may God be with you in your time of sorrow. Lence is in the hands of our Lord and will always be with you. Suzanne Wadsworth wadsuz@msn.com I was so sad to read this loving obituary. Though I don't know you personally, I do know something of your pain. My husband died unexpectedly 18 months ago, and we have two daughters who were 2 and 7 years old at the time. Lence sounds like a wonderful man, and I know you will miss him terribly. I received a card when my husband died that said just how I felt: “At a time like this, there is a sorrow for which no heart could ever be prepared.” I hope you are surrounded by supportive family and friends. I know that has made the difference for me. Your children will keep you engaged with "life" and give you plenty of reasons to smile, but you will often feel overwhelmed and exhausted as a single parent. The best advice I received was from two other widows. First, "don't turn down any offer of help." People want to do something, anything to help -- cleaning, cooking, repairs, tending, yardwork, etc. It is hard sometimes, but I have found that advice to have been very helpful. You'll need help of every kind. The other advice was "you'll have to have courage." Even with all the help you receive, you still have to face this and endure it "alone." It's hard, but possible. You probably wonder at the nerve of some stranger giving you so much advice. I just really feel for you -- what you have just endured and what is ahead of you. I imagine you also have lots of worries about your children and how they will cope. I have been amazed at my girls' resilience. Of course, they grieve for and miss their Daddy, but they can still find lots of joy in life, and that helps me so much. I will be praying for your family and for the peace and strength that only Heaven can give you. God bless you Tonya Walters I served with Lence in Great Falls. He was a great American. I am so sorry for your loss. Ryan and Heidi Marlow ryan.marlow@yahoo.com Dear Paige and family, We just wanted to let you know how much we love your family and what an honor and a privilege it is to be your friends and neighbors. Thank you for your example of faith and devotion. Please know you are in our daily prayers. Love, Ryan and Heidi Marlow Lyle Ann Virgin Miller lyleann@sisna.com Lee and family, I was sorry to read that you had lost your son. It looks like he was a great person and accomplished alot is his life here. My condolences go his wife and children who will miss him dearly I am sure. Lyle Ann Virgin Miller Wade Virgin wade.virgin@labor.idaho.gov Lee, my sincere sympathy to you on the loss of your son Lence. I just found out that Lence was your son. After losing my son several years ago, I can only imagine the grief you must be feeling. My thoughts and prays are with you and the family. Sincerely, Wade Virgin David and Elizabeth Ransom ransomclan@msn.com Your family has a treasured spot in our hearts always. We will never forget those animated political discussions and your faithful example of a loving family. Your love and perseverance will honor his name always. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We can't imagine what you have had to endure, but as fellow saints in the gospel we share your grief and frustration while looking with brightness of hope toward the Savior. With much love and affection always, David, Elizabeth, Mary, Alyson, Stephanie, and Lillian Ransom Pat Anderson Mitchell pmitchell2@bresnan.net Paige, My family and I want you to know we love you and have been praying for you. We know you have great faith and will be able to endure this great test in life Heavenly Father has in store for you. We donated some money in your behalf at the Wells Fargo Bank and hope it will help you with your young family. Please continue to be brave and teach your children as not only Jesus wants you to, but as your good husband and father to them would want. With love, Pat (Anderson) Mitchell Jessica Rice jrice01@bresnan.net Paige, I don't know if you remember me from Great Falls Second Ward. You wrote a nice letter to me when my husband was in the hospital due to an accident. I remember how comforting it was to read your letter (I still have it) about my son Thomas being nice to your daughter Laurie by helping her get up when she fell (you said she had a tendency to overdo it, I thought it was cute) or bringing toys to her and piling them around her in the nursery! :) I felt very sad in what happened. I think about you often and pray for you and have faith that the Lord will be with you to strengthen you. Love, Jessica Rice