Esther C. Mortensen

Esther Caroline Mortensen, age 73, of Rockford, IL, passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2023.

Esther was born on June 21, 1950, in Hamtramck, MI, the daughter of Felix and Caroline (Lasiuta) Koncyk. She graduated from Cass Tech High School in Detroit and later attended Marygrove College. Esther married James Roy Mortensen on June 5, 1971, in Detroit, MI. She worked as an administrative assistant for the Family Life Office of the Rockford Diocese for many years. Esther was a longtime member of Holy Family Parish in Rockford, IL.

Esther had many interests throughout her life. She had a particular fondness for crochet. Her works will be cherished by family and friends and passed down through generations. Esther adored surprises. Not just being surprised, but to give the joy of surprise to others. One of her best triumphs in the art of surprise may have been in throwing her husband Jim’s 75th birthday party. Esther enjoyed rearranging her furniture. Her children fondly remember stubbing their toes in the middle of the night when a chair had been moved across the living room. Esther especially loved her family and friends. The delight of seeing her children laugh, grow, and become parents of their own. Sharing this joy with friends and supporting her community through the church was very important to Esther. She and her husband were exceedingly active in the Catholic church, including such programs as 40 years of service in Marriage Encounter, and 50 years in Charismatic Renewal. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends.

Esther is survived by her loving husband, Jim Mortensen; children, Wendy (Chris) Sanders, Daryl (Darinda) Dugas, Darlene Uznanski, and Luke (Erin) Mortensen; grandchildren, Heather, Cassie, River, Rose, Bill, and Michael; brother, Jim Koncyk and nieces, Cindy, Pam, and Linda. She is predeceased by her parents and children, Eric, and Erin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Esther’s name to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, https://komen.org

Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 17, 2023, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass, located at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd. Rockford, IL 61107.

Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com