Karen K. Mortensen

Karen Mortensen ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Oakcrest Funeral Services Algona on Mar. 5, 2026.With sadness we share that our beloved Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma and friend, Karen Kea (Vogel) Mortensen of Swea City passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, at Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona, Iowa at the age of 91 years old.Karen was born in Bancroft, Iowa on January 22, 1935, to Delbert C. and Lucille (Stiltz) Vogel. She grew up in Bancroft and learned the gift of gab working at the movie theater as an usher during her teen years. Karen went to high school in Swea City where she met the love of her life, Robert Mortensen and graduated in 1952 from Swea City High School. On October 9, 1952, Robert and Karen were joined in marriage while Robert was home on military Leave. Following their wedding, they resided in Bermuda where Robert was stationed.After being discharged from military service, they returned to Swea City and continued their life together. They were blessed with four children, Karol, Robin, Thomas, and Terri. Karen became the Avon lady and enjoyed visiting and sharing their products in many households. Later she began her many years of employment as a school bus driver on the Bancroft route. She spent countless hours traveling up and down the roads getting kids to and from school as well as activities and events – including a trip to the state basketball tournament when the charter bus failed to show. After 26 years of driving bus, she retired and began wintering in Arizona. Karen and Robert enjoyed spending their time at their second home at La Hacienda in Apache Junction. She loved her winters in Arizona and especially her La Hacienda friends on La Casita Street. Karen and Robert were blessed to share over 70 years of marriage together. Karen was a member of the Swea City Methodist/Community Church as well as a member of the American Legion Auxiliary since 1954.Left to treasure many memories are her daughters Karol (Liz) Mortensen of Gold Canyon, AZ; Robin (Rich) Arndorfer of Bancroft, IA; Terri (Jeff) Jergenson of Algona, IA; son Thomas (Julie) Mortensen of Gold Canyon, AZ. Grandchildren Brent (Lindsay), Bryan (Laura), Brad (Michelle), & Burke (Carrie) Arndorfer; Dustin (Laci) Mortensen; Paige (Brandon) Baade; Jacob, Bronson, Landon & Nolan Jergenson; 18 great-grandchildren, brother William (Bill) Vogel of Bancroft, sister-in-law Ruth Lazar of Phoenix, AZ and Ivy Mortensen of Fairmont, MN. Preceding her in death was her husband Robert in 2023, parents D.C. & Lucille Vogel, parents in law Dina & Adolph Mortensen, special nephews Dr. Richard Lazar & Michael Mortensen and many other relatives.The family wishes to thank the KRHC staff for their wonderful care, and Stonebridge Suites in Bancroft for their support and friendships.A funeral service will be held Friday, March 13, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at the Swea City Community Church. Burial will follow at Harrison Township Cemetery. Her family will greet friends from 9:30 AM Friday until service time at the church in Swea City.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.