8 May 1939 – 9 Sep 2022
Former husband of Linda Taylor
Lyle John Mortensen, age 83, passed away on September 9, 2022, in Grapevine, Texas, after an extended illness.
Lyle was born on May 8, 1939, in Safford, Arizona to La Faun Isaac Mortensen & Annie Allen Mortensen.
Predeceased by his son Lee Cardon Mortensen, daughter Lisa Louise Mortensen Wolcott, by his parents, baby brother Charles Becker Mortensen, younger brother Alfred Jay Mortensen, and older brother Irval LaFaun Mortensen. Lyle is survived by his wife Jeanne Dixon; daughter Leslie (Brian) Thorne, son Lyn Mortensen; grandchildren Lauren Wallace (Jason) Ray; Demi (Anthony) Rainaldi, Taylor Brog (Dominic Garcia), Brenna Mortensen (Eddy Yunkherr), Gwenyth Mortensen, Dylan Brog (Shalynn Peterson); great grandchildren Korben Ray, and Addelyn Rainaldi. He is also survived by his sister LaFaunda (Mark) Curtis, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Lyle grew up in a loving home in Safford, Arizona. He graduated from Safford High School in 1957, later serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Spanish American Mission from 1959-1961 which started his love for the Spanish language. He attended Arizona State University, graduating with a degree in Accounting.
After college, Lyle worked as a Certified Public Accountant for decades for many clients. He never truly retired, even retaining a client as recently as a year ago. Lyle lived and worked in several western U.S. states such as Arizona, California, Utah, and finally Texas.
Lyle married Linda Taylor, had four children, then later divorced. Later, Lyle married Jeanne Dixon in January 1986. Lyle was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints serving in many callings, including Branch President in a Spanish-speaking Branch in Texas. He and Jeanne also served for many years in the Dallas Texas Temple.
Lyle was openhearted, kind, and accepted everyone without judgment. He had a very loving spirit and had a very grounding presence. He loved to laugh and have fun with his family. He also loved to travel-especially to Mexico. He spoke Spanish as if it was his first language and the locals just loved it.
He always made everyone feel special and valued in his life.
A memorial graveside service will be conducted Saturday, October 1, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. (noon), at the Safford Cemetery.
To plant memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Lyle Mortensen, please visit our flower store.
-Published by Vining Funeral Home – Safford on Sep. 29, 2022.
Safford City Cemetery, Safford, Graham County, Arizona