Ronald Dale Ron Mortensen

Ronald Dale Mortensen, age 70, of Gallatin Gateway, passed away March 25, 2013 with loved ones by his side at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital. Ron was born July 24, 1942 in Polson, Montana, the second child of Raphael Mortensen and Edna Mae (Plum) Mortensen. The family moved to Bozeman when Ron was 5. Ron is a graduate of Bozeman Senior High School class of 1961. Ron worked and lived his entire life in the Gallatin Valley as a Painter. He loved to fish but did not go near enough. He had a passion for buying and raising calves, he said "it made him feel like a rancher." He lived his life simply, always looking for a bargain, whether it be at a garage sale or an auction. If he could get it for free it was even better. Ron was blessed with three children, Robert, Rhonda and at the age of 52 Ron welcomed a third child into the world, Cheyenne Rae. She brought great joy to his life as did all of his children. Ronald is survived by: Son, Robert Mortensen and his wife Marjorie, of Elizabeth, CO; Daughter, Rhonda Mize and her husband David, of Three Forks, MT; Daughter, Cheyenne Mortensen of Bozeman; Stepson, Josiah Jackson of Gallatin Gateway; Sister, Sharon Townsend of Bozeman Brother, John Mortensen and his wife Diana, of Sun City West, AZ; Grandchildren, Nic, Gabe and Morgan of Elizabeth, CO. Numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his special friends, Missy, Alan, Mary, Heather and Becky of the Antique Barn in Gallatin Gateway. He enjoyed having coffee with them most mornings and they watched over him making sure he had everything he needed. Ron was preceded in death by his Parents, and his Sister, Donna Neff. Donations in memory of Ron may be made to the Gallatin Valley Food Bank. A celebration of Ron's life will be held in the near future at the Antique Barn in Gallatin Gateway, MT.