Diana Kay Mortensen, 74, of Spencer, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2026, surrounded by her family.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 207 Church Street in Royal. Inurnment will take place at Willow Creek Cemetery in Royal. Geelan Funeral Home is caring for the arrangements.
Born February 28, 1952, in Spencer, Diana was the daughter of Vernon and Bonnie (Fairchild) Mortensen. She grew up in Royal, graduated from Clay Central High School in 1970 and remained a lifelong member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
After high school, Diana moved to Minneapolis and worked as a clerk in the Hennepin County Registrar’s Office. In 1989, she returned to Royal to be closer to her family. She continued her career with the State of Iowa Child Support Recovery Unit in Spencer, serving as a clerk specialist until retiring in 2014.
Diana valued her independence and spoke openly about her beliefs. Strong-willed and sometimes stubborn, she also had a generous heart, quietly doing things for others without looking for recognition or repayment. She participated actively in her political party and devoted her energy to causes she cared about.
Music brought Diana considerable joy. Her favorites ranged from the Dave Clark Five, The Beatles and The Beach Boys to Kenny Chesney. She loved attending concerts and spending time listening to the artists whose songs meant so much to her.
Her nieces and nephews held a particularly special place in her life. Although Diana had no children of her own, she eagerly followed their activities, attended sporting events and school programs, and celebrated birthdays, graduations and other milestones. Being present in their lives—and spoiling them along the way—was something she treasured.
Those closest to Diana will remember both her strong personality and her tenderness toward the people she loved. Family remained at the center of her life, and her care for successive generations leaves them with many memories to cherish.
Diana is survived by her siblings, Greg (Val) Mortensen of Rochelle, Illinois; Pam (Jim) Virelli of Royal; and Rollie (Donna) Mortensen of Lawton, Oklahoma. She also leaves her nephews, Ryan, Chris and Blake Mortensen, and Mike, Tony and Steve Virelli; nieces, Lena Krenzke and Maggie Mortensen; 16 great-nieces and great-nephews; and many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Bonnie Mortensen.
Family and friends may share memories and condolences through Diana’s obituary page at Geelan Funeral Home.
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