Charles P. Mortenson

Charles "Chuck" Peter Mortenson passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2026 in the very early morning hours while on Hospice at Aurora Health Center in Fond du lac, WI. Chuck was born October 18, 1942 to Ruth and Corrin Mortenson in Weyauwega, WI. Chuck often spoke of his childhood, and cherished all of its wonderful spots that he explored in the area. Hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and just being in nature have always been some of his favorite talking points. Chuck proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. His deep love for the land led him to study Forestry at the Oshkosh Technical School. Chuck was a man of many talents and lived a colorful professional life. Over the years, he wore many hats: forestry team leader, regional paper salesman, real estate agent, bus driver, semi driver, and antique dealer. He truly enjoyed every single one of them. For Chuck, the thrill of the hunt wasn't just in the woods-he loved finding treasures, and we are pretty sure he was wheeling and dealing antique goods right up until the day he could no longer drive.

Chuck married Margaret (Hammond) and had son Paul and daughter Patti. Though life eventually took Maggie and Chuck in different directions, he later found a wonderful companion in Barbara Aubry, with whom he happily shared the final chapter of his life journey.

Family meant a lot to Chuck. He always said he was blessed with the absolute best siblings and parents a kid could ask for. When his own father passed away, he opened his heart and welcomed his stepfather, Emil Pearson, into the family with open arms. His capacity to love extended to the animal kingdom, too. Animals were an integral part of Chuck's soul, and he loved countless pets over the years-admittedly sometimes keeping a few more dogs than the local legal limit allowed!

More than anything, Dad taught us how to truly live. He passed down some of life's most essential, beautiful lessons: that occasionally ice cream absolutely counts as a full dinner, you should always keep a pair of binoculars within arm's reach, and you must enjoy what you've been given and make the most of it. He taught us that true wealth has nothing to do with money, and that being bored is entirely your own fault.

Every single day, he reminded us that the simplest things create the deepest joy: a sudden, cool breeze on a hot summer afternoon, a wild flower picked from the earth, a cold soda after a grueling tennis match or bike ride, a piece of perfectly ripe fruit picked from one of his own trees, the warmth of the sun on his skin, or a quick, refreshing dip in one of Wisconsin's beautiful lakes.

Chuck was reunited in death with his parents, Corrin, Ruth, and Emil.

His memory and his lessons live on through his son, Paul (Lisa) Mortenson; his daughter, Patti (Ralph) DeDecker; his beloved grandchildren: Kristina, Alex, and Julianna; his brother, Chris (Sandy) Mortenson; his sisters: Julie (Walter) Schmidt, Maren (Oscar) Knoeck and Jean (Fred) Hofmann; his soul partner, Barbara Aubry, and a large, loving circle of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

We will celebrate his life with a Graveside Service at Oakwood Cemetery in his beloved hometown of Weyauwega, WI, on Monday, August 31, 2026 at 1:30 pm. Fun, casual, camouflaged or colorful attire is encouraged, Chuck would have enjoyed this!