William Mortenson

William Henry Mortenson, 63, passed away at his home in Glendale, Arizona, on October 26, 2017, following a brave struggle with cancer. Born on April 29, 1954, in Kane, Pennsylvania, Bill was the son of the late Gail Allen Mortenson and Patricia Ann (Fluke) Mortenson Wilcox. Bill enlisted in the United States Navy in 1972 and served during the Vietnam and Cold War eras. He was a Top Gun Air Intercept Control Supervisor on numerous aircraft carriers in the Pacific, and was also a Third Fleet Master Training Specialist. He retired in 1992 as an Operations Specialist Senior Chief (AW). Bill’s second career was as a National Bank Examiner in San Diego, California, and St. Louis, Missouri, for the Department of the Treasury. He received BBA and MBA degrees from National University. In 2015 he and his wife retired to Glendale, Arizona. Bill loved his family above all things. But he also loved the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and classic rock. He is survived by his wife Zenaida (Olaguer) Mortenson, the love of his life, whom he married in 1978. Other survivors include his son William Ryan Mortenson and wife Luna of San Diego, California; his daughter Cynthia Ann Mortenson and spouse Kendra Hinojosa of Tempe, Arizona; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He also is survived by his sister Nancy Swanson and her companion Larry Moye from West Boylston, Massachusetts. Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. with service at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2017 at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, November 6, 2017 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, Arizona. If you wish to make a memorial contribution, please consider the American Cancer Society or Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix AZ 85014.