Richard "Rick" L. Mortenson

Richard “Rick” Mortenson, age 73, of Rosendale, WI, went to his eternal rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at UW Hospital in Madison, WI. He passed peacefully while Betty, his wife and love of his life, held his hand.

Rick was born on March 8, 1952, in Wausau; the son of Allan and Elaine (Punke) Mortenson.  He graduated from Ripon High School in 1970. He attended UW-Stout for 2 years before receiving his Masters Electrician Certification. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth “Betty” Stanchfield on October 28, 1978, at St. Mary’s Church in Fond du Lac. Throughout Rick’s life he was employed by Mercury Marine, several Green Giant/Pillsbury plants as a maintenance mechanic and retired from Faith Technologies as a master electrician in 2015.

Rick was a devout Christian whose faith carried him through his entire life. He was a Charter member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Ripon where he served as an Elder for many years. He was active in prayer groups and weekly Bible studies to help others grow in their faith – and to continue to grow in his own faith.  Rick continued to praise God throughout his entire health journey.  He received two liver transplants that gave him an additional 30 years of life.  He also survived colon cancer and gracefully accepted all health challenges that came his way.

Rick lived his life with JOY.  “J” – represents putting Jesus first.  “O” – represents putting others second.  “Y” – represents putting yourself last.  This is how Rick prioritized his life. He was a humble man with a great listening ear, having patience and giving time for anyone in need.

Rick loved being out in nature and enjoyed hunting as well as trapping. He was a passionate bow hunter and a longtime member of the Wisconsin Bow Hunters Association and Lost Arrow Archery Club. He was also a craftsman - a man of many talents.

He and Betty embraced traveling abroad.  They enjoyed bicycling on many long-distance trips that led them across 31 states.  To celebrate Rick’s 5-year liver transplant surgery, Betty and Rick peddled across America from California to Maine in seven weeks. While biking through Colorado, they met his liver donor’s family to thank them personally for their son’s gift of life.  Most recently, in 2023, they hiked 120 miles on a pilgrimage in Spain along the Camino de Santiago route (“The Way”).

Rick’s legacy of faith, friendship, humility, and love will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Rick is survived by his wife, Betty; parents, Allan and Elaine Mortenson of Ripon; siblings: Rebecca (Greg) Reinhardt of Ripon, Ronald (Ginny) Mortenson of Green Bay, Roberta Bethke of Juneau, and Rhonda Mortenson of Appleton; brother-in-law, Thomas (Joan) Stanchfield; sister-in-law, Joan (Kevin) Streetar of Fitchburg; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Randal Mortenson; brother-in-law Marc Bethke; father-in-law and mother-in-law Eugene and Lucille Stanchfield; brother-in-law Donald Stanchfield; and sister-in-law Nancy Stanchfield.

Services for Rick will be held Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Ripon, with Rev. Brian Fritch officiating.  Visitation will be from 9:00am until 11:30am. A Memorial Service will take place at 11:30am followed by a luncheon. Interment will be held at Ledgeview Memorial Park in Fond du Lac at a later date.  Divine Passage Funeral Home in Ripon is serving the Mortenson family.   divinepassagefunerals.com

In lieu of flowers, donations to Messiah Lutheran Church in Ripon are appreciated.

With deep gratitude, the family would like to thank the numerous medical teams of UW Health University and Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics for the excellent care Rick received since 1994.

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