Carl N. Mortenson

Carl N. Mortenson, our loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away Sunday, December 23, 2018 at the age of 99. The son of the late Herbert J. and Melinda L. (Goetz) Mortenson was born April 9, 1919 in Ann Arbor. On February 24, 1945, he married the love of his life, the former Ethel M. Beougher.

Carl was a 1941 graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in aeronautical engineering and a passion for flying. He was recognized by Jimmy Doolittle as one of the most outstanding amateur pilots in the nation. He worked at Dow Chemical Company developing magnesium-frame structures from 1941-1958. He moved to Magline Inc. in 1958 and worked there until his retirement. As an engineer he worked on numerous projects; everything from improving wing designs on bombers in WWII to hand trucks which are still in use today. In 1990, he won the Fire of Genius award from the Saginaw Valley Patent Law Association for "sustained significant inventive activity". Over the course of his career, he developed ideas that resulted in 19 patents.

Carl was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the Midland Country Club and a longtime supporter of the Midland Symphony Orchestra. He loved tinkering with model cars and airplanes. Carl worked wonders as a wood craftsman and was a natural athlete. He was a generous man, and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Carl is survived by his wife Ethel; his children, Carole L. Crary of Midland, and Cathryn L. White (Dr. Daniel) of Midland; grandchildren, Catherine Crary, Dr. David White (Dr. Jennifer Smith), Carolyn Crary, Dr. Jeffrey White (Samantha); and nephew, Greg Haarer.

Private funeral services for Mr. Mortensen will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Midland City Cemetery. Memorials in Carl's name may be offered to the Hornsby Aviation Education Endowment #283, through the Midland Area Community Foundation and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation c/o Planned Giving Office, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, PO Box 1776, Williamsburg, VA 23187-9910. Arrangements are under the care of the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home. Personal messages of condolence may be offered at www.wilson-miller.com.