Robert John Mortensen was born on February 12, 1958, in Somerville, Somerset, New Jersey, to the late Leon J. Mortensen, Sr. and Mary Vajda Mortensen. He attended Manville High School in Manville, New Jersey. He then attended Valley Forge Christian College for one year before transferring to Northeastern Bible College. It was there that he met Karen Puntorno, who would later become his wife. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Literature.
After their marriage and the birth of their two oldest children, Alicia and Belinda, Robert and Karen moved to Virginia. In Virginia, they welcomed their third daughter, Calah.
Robert was a longtime employee of Merck, where he held positions in formulation and maintenance. He was also a member of the Merck Gun Club, a local Coin Club, and Truth & Grace Ministries Church. He was a fan of the Philadelphia Flyers Hockey Team and enjoyed going to their games. Along with his dedication to work, Robert had many hobbies outside of his job. He loved outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and camping. He was an avid coin collector and enjoyed reading. He also volunteered with CAST for Kids, local Gun Club Shows, and served as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army.
Robert deeply loved his family, including the family dogs. After retiring, he enjoyed relaxing by his pool and spent a memorable month traveling in Hungary.
Though his death was sudden, his life was memorable. He is survived by his wife Karen Mortensen (nee Puntorno): 3 daughters, Alicia Mortensen of Harrisonburg, VA.; Belinda Mortensen of Broadway, VA.; and Calah Mortensen Flaig of Richmond VA.; granddaughter, Ava Mortensen; grandson, Sami Mortensen; and a brother, Leon Mortensen, Jr.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Dianne David Mortensen and a brother, Stephen James Mortensen.
A Memorial Service will be held at First Assembly of God, HFAchurch.org, 1310 Garbers Church Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 on Thursday, June 19, 2025 @ 11 am.
