Francis (Mort) Mortier

Francis Charles "Mort" Mortier was born at home on the farm near Ghent, MN, on December 8, 1928, to Charles and Bertha (Hamerlinck) Mortier. He lived there for six years, then moved with his family to a farm west of Marshall. He graduated from Marshall High School in 1946 and continued farming with his dad. In February, 1951, Francis joined the U.S. Army and served as shop foreman in the Combat Engineers in the Philippine Islands. After one year overseas, he was honorably discharged and returned home. In September of 1955, he was united in marriage to Georgie Ann "Hon" Schmoll in Bird Island. The couple farmed near Tyler until returning to Marshall in 1968. Francis served as Commander of the Tyler American Legion for one year. Francis was a longtime member and Past President of the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce. He served on the MCP Board for eight years, was Zoning Officer for 12 years and chaired the committee for four years. He was a Trustee of the Southwest Initiative Fund for eight years and was a current member of the VFW. The couple retired and moved into Marshall in 1993. Francis enjoyed fishing, especially annual Father’s Day trips with his dad, brother and sons. He enjoyed playing cards and other social activities including neighborhood gatherings and softball games. He and Hon enjoyed wintering down south for many years. Family was most important to Francis. He died on Friday, April 29, 2016, at the Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center in Marshall. Survivors include his wife, Hon, of Marshall, children Julie Nesson of Sioux Falls, Karen (and Bill "Buck") Bender of Poynette, WI, Mike (and Mary) Mortier of Marshall, John (and Loretta) Mortier of Prior Lake, MN, Dale (and Peggy) Mortier of Champlin, grandchildren Adam Nesson, Lexi (and Tim) Kahnk, Carly (and Tim) Fountain, Caitlin Bender(and Matthew Fahy), Cory Bender (and fiancee Karen Schlichter), Daniel Mortier, David Mortier, Emily Mortier, Angie Sussner (fiance Ian Blumer), Stephanie (and Jason) Andrews, Tucker Mortier and Tanner Mortier, great-grandchildren Brittany and Blake Andrews and Nora Kahnk, sisters Joan Collins, Phyllis Carr and Mary Mortier, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law Steve Nesson, brother Joe and sister Dorothy. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Prairie Home Hospice or the National Parkinson's Foundation, Minnesota Chapter: www.parkinsonmn.org