Lee C. Mortensen

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts, we share that Lee Charles Mortensen of Westfield, Indiana, passed away peacefully at his home on May 24, 2026 at the age of 68. He was born on May 22, 1958, in Biloxi, Mississippi to parents, Doris (Day Mortensen) Block and Bruce J. Mortensen. Lee is survived by his loving family: his wife, Kaye (Chong) Mortensen; his mother, Doris (James) Block; his children, Aleksander (Megan), Afton, and Lindsay Mortensen; his step-son, Matthew (Anna) McConnell; his grand-children, J.P. and Olivia McConnell and Sloane Paul; his sister, Barbara (David) Bosecker; and his nieces and nephews, Allyce, Natasha, Ryan, Logan, and Nickolas Bosecker, Daniel and Kevin Powell, and Colin and Evan Toothaker. He also leaves behind his dog, Bella, who misses him dearly as Lee was most definitely Bella’s person. Lee is preceded in death by his father, Bruce J. Mortensen.

Lee grew up in Evansville, Indiana, graduating from William Henry Harrison High School in 1976. He graduated from Indiana University, Kelley School of Business in Bloomington with a BS in Business Administration in 1990. Lee began his career in the family concrete business, Evansville Concrete Company, founded by his grandfather, Charles Day, before enjoying many years in construction, commercial development, and commercial real estate. He spent the last 10 years of his career working for the United States Department of Defense, culminating his career as Chief of the Plans, Analysis and Integration Office for the 99th Readiness Division, which provides base operations support to over 42,000 Army Reserve Soldiers. Upon retirement in 2021, Lee earned the Army Meritorious Civilian Service Medal, the second-highest recognition for Army Civilians, for his exceptional contributions that significantly impacted the command. Lee was also an entrepreneur, owning and operating several businesses during the course of his career.

Lee lived every day focused on staying active and healthy, playing pickleball, running and swimming. Quite the adventure seeker, he enjoyed many outdoor activities including camping, kayaking, hiking, and fly fishing. Lee took great pride in working on his lawn. His favorite pastimes included playing with his grandchildren, walking Bella, and traveling with family and friends. Lee especially loved spending time in New York City. His most recent adventures include an Alaskan cruise, exploring National Parks, and wandering through small-towns out West looking for great bites and pints.

Lee had a heart of gold, great sense of humor, and was kind and caring. He never knew a stranger and was always eager to lend a helping hand. Lee had a passion for serving his community. Living in Westfield, he volunteered at Newfields in Indianapolis and most recently at the ReadUP program in Noblesville. During his time in Evansville, he was active in Evansville Rotary and served on the Boards of Albion Fellows Bacon Center and Junior Achievement. He has been a member of Evansville’s West Side Nut Club (a non-profit organization that supports the community) for 30 years and was recently designated an Honorary Lifetime Member. Regardless of where he was living over the years, Lee traveled back to his hometown to participate in West Side Nut Club meetings and events, including the annual West Side Nut Club Fall Festival, an event very dear to his heart.

Lee was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and cherished friend. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His was a life well lived, spending time with family and friends. He will be remembered for the active and caring role he played in each of our lives. We are grateful for the time we shared with him and blessed to have known his kindness and devotion. His love and spirit will remain in our hearts forever.

The family wishes to express our appreciation and gratitude to Lee’s IU Health Neuro-Oncology and Schwartz Cancer Center teams, and his Select Home Health and Hospice teams for their extraordinary compassion, dedication, and support throughout Lee's illness. Their skilled care, kindness, and unwavering commitment provided comfort and strength during a difficult journey.

We are also profoundly thankful for the love, prayers, and support received from our amazing neighbors and friends, and the community, giving Lee and our family the strength and courage to fight his seven-month battle with Glioblastoma. You reminded us daily that we are loved and never alone throughout the journey.

Because of the care and support of so many, Lee was able to face his illness with remarkable grace, courage, and dignity. We are overwhelmed by your kindness and generosity and are forever grateful to each of you.

A private family memorial service will be held to honor Lee with plans for a Celebration of Life in Evansville, Indiana later in the Fall.

Memorial contributions in Lee's name may be made to: Evansville West Side Nut Club (West Side Nut Club Fall Festival | Evansville, IN - Donate), or Glioblastoma Research Organization (Donate — Glioblastoma Research Organization).