Karen Kay Mortensen

Karen Stuck Mortensen age 65, of New Braunfels, Texas stepped gently from this world on May 23, 2026. She was born and raised in Grand River, Iowa. In May 1979 she graduated from Grand Valley High School, where she excelled in softball.

In the summer of 1981, she attended CFNI Bible School in Dallas, Texas. It was there that she met the love of her life, Michael Christian Mortensen, from Atlantic, Iowa. On August 12, 1981 they were united in marriage. They began a wonderful journey from Dallas Texas that would take them all over Texas. Dallas, Odessa, Austin, and Houston, each city marking an important chapter in Karen’s journey. She ultimately made her home in New Braunfels, Texas, where she became known for her strength, warmth, and steady grounded spirit.

Karen grew up surrounded by the love and values passed down by her Grandparents, Samuel and Ninabel Stuck and Otto and Francis Akers, whose influences shaped her into someone loyal, empathetic, independent, and courageous.

A gifted student, Karen excelled academically throughout her life. She earned national recognition in Who’s Who among American High School Students, later repeating this distinction in college as part of Who’s Who Among American College Students. She was an honor student in Law Enforcement, Psychology, Sociology, and Social Work, reflecting her deep interest in understanding others, seeking justice, and helping people in meaningful ways. She earned her Degrees from Texas State University.

Karen graduated as valedictorian of the Odessa Law Enforcement Academy and was voted Second Backup Police Officer by her fellow class members – an honor that reflected how deeply her leadership, discipline, and courage were respected by those who trained beside her.

Karen built a life defined by courage, purpose, and generosity. Her life’s work was loving, protecting, and standing courageously for the people she cared about. She was a devoted human rights activist, passionately committed to social justice, peace, and the protection of vulnerable communities. She spoke bravely for those whose voices were unheard and dedicated her life to standing against injustice wherever she saw it.

Above all her accomplishments, Karen loved being a mother and grandmother most of all. Her children and her grandchildren were the greatest joy of her life, and she carried them in her heart through every season, every challenge, and every triumph.

She was known for her intelligence, perseverance, and the compassion she extended to others. She met every challenge with remarkable courage and served as a source of strength and comfort to those around her.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Christian Mortensen, her beloved son, Mahmoud Ahmed, her treasured daughter, Sahar, her cherished daughter-in-law, Wesal, and her treasured grandchildren – Jafar, Ali, Aha, Batool, Sarah, Farah, Bana, and Doaa –each of whom held a special place in her heart and brought her immeasurable joy, comfort, and purpose.

Memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Foundation in her honor.

“Her presence was a gift, and her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew her.”