Jan. 3, 1942-Aug. 11, 2008
Detroit Lakes native Allan C. "Buck" Mortenson, 66, of Clear, Alaska, died Sunday, August 11, 2008 in Nenana, Alaska.
Allan Curtis "Buck" Mortenson was born to Andrew and Ruth (Day) Mortenson on Jan. 3, 1942 in Detroit Lakes. He was raised in Ogema, along with nine brothers and sisters. He went to school in Waubun, and worked on farms and at grain elevators.
In 1962, Buck married JoAnne Manning and together they had four children: Debbie, Tony, Lana, and Allan. Buck joined the U.S. Navy in 1960, and retired in 1980 as a Vietnam War veteran. During his naval years, he worked as an aircraft metal smith and as an aircraft electrician. He maintained and flew A-3 and A-6 Skywarrior Aircraft. He was attached to several heavy attack and rescue squadrons.
Buck was stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., Naval Support Activity Mid-South in Tennessee, the Naval Air Station, Agana, Guam and the Naval Air Facility in El Centro, Calif.; he also did tours in the Philippines and Singapore. His last ship assignment before retiring was with the U.S.S. Constellation. He received a medal of honor for services in Vietnam. He was known as "Mort" to his Navy buddies and kept in touch with many of them through e-mail. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer.
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In 1982, Buck moved to Clear, Alaska, where he opened Buck's Garage and operated it for over 20 years. He plowed driveways, hauled for gold mines, and also took part in guiding hunting parties. Buck enjoyed hunting, fishing, fast cars, his pets, playing guitar, and having coffee and lively discussions with his friends at the Clear Sky Lodge.
Surviving Buck are his four children, Debbie (Mark) Kiser of Detroit Lakes, Tony Mortenson of Detroit Lakes, Lana (Joel) Davidson of Clear, Alaska and Allan (Joann) Mortenson, also of Clear, as well as their mother, JoAnne; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Preceding Buck in death were his parents; a sister, Audrey Hopper; and a brother, Ronald.
He will be remembered fondly and missed very much.
A memorial service was held at Rochester Lodge in Clear, Alaska, on Sunday, Aug. 17; he was given full military honors.
