Obituary

Shirley Lavonne (Williams) Mortensen
Aug 4, 1936 — Sep 25, 2026

Shirley L. (Williams) Mortenson, 90, of Fort Dodge passed away Friday, September 25, 2026 at Bickford Cottages.

A Graveside Service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Memorial Park Cemetery. A visitation will be 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Laufersweiler Funeral Home.

Shirley is survived by her husband Charles Mortenson, children Kathy (Tom) McCann of Ankeny, Coralee "Corky" Williams of Fort Dodge, Rick (Sandy) Williams of Johnston, Mary (Clark) Conklin of Stratford, Johnny (Marti) Williams, grandchildren Dani, Tony, Jennie, Rick, Shawnda, Dana, Luke, Heather, Shelly, Mitch, John and Jessica, fifteen great-grandchildren, and six great-great- grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Ruby (Carpenter) Flockhart, first husband John Williams in 1989, granddaughter Tricia Marie Williams, sisters Rosalie Becker and Ellen Blaskey.

Shirley Lavonnw Flockhart was born August 4, 1936 in Boone. She was raised and educated in Fort Dodge and graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High School in 1955. She was united in marriage to John Williams in 1956. The couple owned and operated Humboldt County Dragway and Ponderosa Towing until John's passing. Shirley sold the business to her son, Johnny and she continued to work for the towing company. In 1991, Shirley was united in marriage to Charles Mortenson and the couple made Fort Dodge their home. Shirley was active in Ragbrai and was a gracious host many summers. Ever a hardworker, Shirley enjoyed yardwork, flower gardening and bird watching. But most of all enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.
~ Laufersweiler Funeral Home