Thure Mortenson

Thure Morris Mortenson, of Little Rock, died March 30, 2007 of complications from Alzheimer's disease. Thure lived a life of service. He served honorably in the U.S. Army as Sgt. First Class with a medical unit in the European Theater during WWII (1943-1946). Having married his sweetheart, Ann, in 1940, Thure returned to Chicago after his discharge and worked for Teletype Corporation for 40 years. When Teletype (now Lucent Technologies) built a new plant in Little Rock in 1969, Thure moved here to head the accounting department. After retirement, he and Ann stayed in their adopted home state. At age 65, Thure attended UALR, graduating with honors and a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education in 1980.
The consummate volunteer, Thure had always dreamed of being a full-time missionary. He wanted to make a difference. In Chicago, he worked tirelessly for the Christian Action Ministry as a volunteer literacy teacher and instructor of small business principles. Over the many years, Thure served as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout Leader, a Sunday School teacher, a volunteer at Children's Hospital's Burn Unit and assisted in many other activities. When Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church needed a director for their Woodlawn Therapeutic Children's Center, Thure took the job as a volunteer and Ann was his "best" teacher from 1982 to 1987.
Thure was an avid reader. He enjoyed horseback riding, bicycling, canoeing and camping. He was a talented baker and a skilled leather and gem craftsman. He had a deep appreciation for music (especially the classics) and a dry sense of humor. Thure was a longstanding member of Trinity United Methodist Church, the Boy Scouts of America, the Sierra Club, the Telecom Pioneers and Little Rock's Rhubarbarian Club.
Thure was born June 27, 1915 in Lee Center, Illinois to Swedish immigrants, Thure and Freda Mortenson. One of six children, Thure was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Rosa and Elsie, and two brothers, John and Steve. He is survived by his brother, Arthur of Chicago, Illinois. He is also survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Ann Mortenson, four children, seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews. His loving family includes son, Michael (wife, Anna and grandsons, Aaron and Nathan, of New York, New York); daughter, Patricia (husband, Chris Clark and grandson, Earle, of St. John, USVI); son, Robert (grandson, Lucky, great-grandson, Tristin and granddaughter, Delilah, of Fayetteville); and son, James (wife Ann, and step-granddaughter Josie, of Little Rock; grandson, Eric (wife, Mai, of Nagano, Japan) and granddaughter, Rose, of southern California).
In hopes that he could contribute even unto death, Thure requested that his body be donated to UAMS for medical research, particularly in the study of Alzheimer's. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 4 at 10:00 a.m. at his home church, Trinity United Methodist Church, Mississippi and Evergreen, where he was a charter member of the Searchers Sunday School Class. Officiating will be Rev. Lynn Lindsey. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to be made to the Earle Clark Trust Fund (Thure's special needs grandson), in care of the United Methodist Foundation of Arkansas, 5300 Evergreen Dr., Little Rock, AR 72205.
Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.), Little Rock, (501)224-2200.