Louis J. Mortenson III

Louis J. Mortenson III, 78, of Medford passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2023 at Aspirus Hospital Medford.

A Funeral Mass for Louis will take place at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, with Father Patrick McConnell. Burial will follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery. Visitation will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

Louis graduated in 1962 from Wausau High School. After graduation, and after the hay was taken care of for the season, Louis enlisted in the US Navy on a three-year contract at the age of 17. On the U.S.S Springfield, he visited all the major ports of the Mediterranean, as well as some less well-known cities. During this time, he skied in the Alps, and saw the Rolling Stones, before they were popular. As the ship was upgraded to contain guided missiles, Louis received further training as a Missile Technician in Norfolk Virginia.

Following his military service, he hitchhiked back home to Wisconsin.  He studied through a program at the Control Data Corporation in the Highland Park area of St. Paul, working on computers to rival IBM. He traveled to Sitka Alaska, British Columbia, and Washington State while logging for the Weyerhaeuser Logging Company.

He returned home to the Wausau farm to take care of his father.  Later, he would have two boys and move to Medford WI, taking care of his parents while farming and logging. He would later remarry to Nora Mortenson.

Louis loved his family, fishing, hunting, the outdoors, woodworking, and playing cards with friends. He had a caring heart and patience that was unmatched, always willing to offer help to anyone around him.  He was truly loved by his friends and family.

Louis is survived by his wife, Nora Mortenson; his first wife, Carla and their children, Louis (Chris) Mortenson 4th of Bruce and Wayne Mortenson of Rice Lake; grandchildren, Louis 5th, Alexia, Isaac, and Matthew; siblings, Ronald Mortenson, Charles “Chuck” Mortenson, Joan Streeter, Lois (Cary) Cole, Clark (Barb) Mortensen, Rita (Paul) Hawes; adopted daughter HoneyLiz and granddaughter Zoey Frischmann. Louis is further survived by nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Louis is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Clark's two sons, Jesse and Adam, brother, Ronald's daughter and sons, Kathy, Little Ron and Timothy Ronald Jr. and Timothy

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Louis J. Mortenson III, please visit our floral store.