Paul Mortenson

Paul A. Mortenson, 89, of Benson died on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at his home in Benson. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at The Track  Bar and Grill in Benson.

Paul A. Mortenson was born on October 13, 1930 at the Swift County Benson Hospital to P.B. and Anna (Knutson) Mortenson. He was baptized November 9, 1930 and confirmed May 13, 1945 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Benson. As a child he attended rural schools through the 8th grade, advanced to and graduated from Benson High School in 1948.

Paul farmed with his father. He joined the National Guard and was federalized in 1951. Upon recovery from a serious car accident he rejoined his unit, later going to Camp Rucker, Alabama, Panama City, and Florida to complete his enlistment. Paul was an expert marksman, receiving many medals. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in May 1952. He returned home with his love for the land and practiced conservation in all aspects of farming and also raising turkeys.

He married the love of his life, Helen Mattheisen on April 20, 1957 at Pilgrim Congregational Church, spent 46 years on the farm and moved to Benson in February 2003. Together they lived, loved and shared over 63 years of marriage.

Paul shared his enthusiasm, knowledge and abilities in so many ways with his family and community. He was active in Golden Gloves, Kodikan Judo, and Tai Chi; studied Judo in Japan, earning his third degree black belt. He then shared these talents as he taught them in Benson for many years and also Morris Community Ed. Physical fitness was key and he practiced it faithfully also helping to start the Faithfully Fit program at Our Redeemer’s and attended regularly as long as he was able. He worked as a Deputy Sheriff for many years, was active in Farmers Union, 4-H, Township Assessor, and served on the boards of the Swift County Museum, Friends of the Library, and as a member of the American Legion.

Paul loved water, scuba diving, and teaching others. As a couple, they enjoyed trips to the Caribbean and other islands, also Europe and Japan. They enjoyed those talents at Linka, Scandia and other area lakes as well. Many interests included great story-telling, visiting, playing cards (especially Hand and Foot), biking and hiking, and enjoying God’s creation.

Paul had a love for humanity which was exhibited in many ways. He received the Big Brother’s Award for sharing time and talents with young boys. At about this time, Paul and Helen became foster parents. Madrene, Julie, and Jim became their family. Helping children move from troubled homes, they tried to make those transitions a positive experience; these are their children to this day.

In June 2003, he helped save 3 children by catching them as they were dropped from the second story of a burning home in Willmar. In February of 1985, he retrieved a glass eye in 14 feet of water that popped out while a man was ice fishing at Scandinavian Lake. One night at dusk, a black bear escaped from a hobby farm and refused to come down from the tree. With one shell left in the magazine, Paul was handed the rifle and down came the bear.!

Paul was a man of deep Faith and was involved in many aspects of church life at Our Redeemer’s. He sang in the Male Chorus and Senior Choir for 50 plus years, belonged to Men’s Bible Study, taught Sunday School, washed dishes in the kitchen, and ushered at funerals. He also was a Deacon, took communion to shut-ins and was a Friendly visitor. The church sponsored a Vietnamese family in the late 1970’s and they liked and needed carp for their food supply. Paul speared and provided 600 pounds of carp for them that summer.

Paul was a quiet gentle man of God - he now rests in Jesus’ Peace. A lifelong resident of the Benson Area, Paul Mortenson was called from this life July 14, 2020 after a valiant battle with Parkinson’s disease and Lung Cancer.

He is survived by his wife Helen, son Jayme “Jim”; daughters Madrene (Scott) Grund and Julie (Michael) Ferguson; brother Dean(Deanna) Mortenson; sister Marjorie Williamson; brother-in-law Bob Mattheisen and sister-in-law Jane Swanson. He was preceded in death by his parents Palvin and Anna Mortenson, brother Vern and wife Ruby Mortenson and brother-in-law Bill Williamson. Blessed be his memory.