Jack Dennis Mortenson

BURLEY – Jack Dennis Mortenson, 74, of Burley, passed away Friday, Dec. 22, 2017, at home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Jack was born to Melba and Laurel Mortenson on October 6, 1943, in Rupert, Idaho. He joined his sisters, Joyce, Karen, Jeanie; and brother, Gary. Jack moved with his family many times in his life but settled in Burley in 1959. He joined the US Navy in 1962, serving four years on the US Ranger Aircraft Carrier. After returning from the service, he trained as an electrician, earning his journeyman’s license working for Bob’s Electric in Rupert. In 1972, he opened his own business, J&L Electric. Jack married his high school sweetheart, Carla Rae Moultrie, on November 28, 1975, in Hailey, Idaho. Jack, along with his sons, JDee and David, and Carla, along with her three children, Ty, Tiffany and Bret, worked hand-in-hand to grow the business. One truck became several and as the business grew, they eventually bought the location on 5th Street in Burley. Jack and Carla sold their business to their sons, Ty and Bret, and retired in 2003, which allowed them time for traveling and enjoying life.

Jack loved motorcycles, racing cross country, and winning State Champion. When the boys were old enough to race, Jack turned into their “pit crew” and biggest fan. The family traveled all around the country to attend racing events. They would load up their motorhome, attach the bike trailer and gather up not only family, but any of their friends who needed a ride. They had such a great time on their trips... always dusty and always dirty! Jack was in his element working on bikes at night for hours at a time, preparing for the next race. Jack also enjoyed golfing with his many friends, wood working, and maintaining his beautiful yard. Jack loved Harley Davidson. He acquired two bikes, one a Roadster and the other a V-Rod and then he had a dream of building his own custom Harley Davidson. After spending two years of dedication, he accomplished his vision. He won many awards and named his beautiful bike “Cashmere.”

To know Jack was to love Jack. He was always such a positive man and so full of joy and mischief! He will be missed beyond words.

Jack is survived by his “Angel,” Carla; and their children, Ty (Kim) Taylor, JDee Mortenson, Tiffany (Todd) Wilberger, Bret (Lisa) Taylor, and David Mortenson; his grandchildren, Elle Smith, Hailey Minton, Hayden Wilberger, Quentin Taylor, Ethan Taylor, Bailey Mortenson, Fletcher Taylor, Lincoln Taylor, and Eliza Taylor; great-grandchildren, Beckett Smith and Neiman Minton; and sisters, Joyce Isensee, Karen (Dee) Taylor, and Jeanie (Steve) Eckhart.

Jack was preceded in death by his two brothers, Mickey and Gary.

The family wishes to personally thank Melinda, Nicky, Carey, and Dr. Nelson from Intermountain Home Health & Hospice for their tender care of Jack. They would also like to give special thanks to his sisters for their endless support.

The memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 5, 2018, at Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, concluding with military rites performed by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Organization.

Friends and family may call at the funeral home from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018, and one hour prior to the service on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Shriners Hospitals For Children or a charity of their choosing.