Gary Walter Mortensen

Gary Walter Mortensen, 72, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 28, 2017. Gary was born to Carl and Anna Mortensen on August 19, 1945 in Salinas, CA. He attended North Salinas High School graduating in 1963 and continuing to USC where he played football for them as a Freshman and received his Bachelor Degree in 1967 and his Masters Degree in 1975. While in College he joined the Army Reserves and received an Honorable Discharge on September 28, 1974. In 1969, he moved back to the Salinas area and began working at Alisal High School where he taught English, Economics, Physical Education and Health. He also coached Football, Baseball and Basketball and later became the Athletic Director. He was later inducted into the Alisal Coaching Hall of Fame. Gary also helped with his family farm where they raised row crops. He enjoyed being a Monterey County 4-H Leader and coaching Little League. He was an avid San Francisco 49er and Giants fan. In 2004, Gary and his wife moved to Atwater to be closer to their children and first grandchild. He was on the St Paul Church Mission Ministry Board and was a Church Elder. In 2012, they moved to the Modesto area so they could concentrate on the Family Farm, where we raise cattle, walnuts and almonds.

Gary was preceded in death by his Father, Carl Mortensen, Mother, Anna Mortensen. He leaves behind his wife of 44 years, Kaylene Alexander Mortensen of Modesto, his brother, Al Mortensen (Karen), daughter, Krista Vannest (Daniel) of Modesto, son, Brian Mortensen (Jill) of Escalon, son, Marc Mortensen (Allyson) of Modesto and his five grandchildren, Taylor Vannest, Carter Vannest, Payten Mortensen, Rylynn Mortensen and Cayley Mortensen, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on November 10, 2017 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Merced, CA at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. In Lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made towards an Ag Scholarship that we are setting up in Gary’s name for Rancho San Juan High School in Salinas, CA. For information please email [email protected].

A memorial service will be held in Salinas at a later date.