Obituary

Lynn Marie Mortensen passed away peacefully in the early hours of Wednesday June 8, 2022 at SwedishAmerican Hospital after a long struggle with chronic alcohol abuse. That she was able to survive so long through her battle is a miracle in itself and could be credited to a few things, including the gift of great genes in the form of exceptional athleticism, a perhaps innocent hope to return to better times, and a rock-solid, unwavering faith in her savior Jesus Christ.

Lynn was born on August 25, 1963 in Rockford, Illinois to Leslie and Clara (Swenson) Hellemann and grew up in Marengo, Illinois with her two brothers. Following the example of her family, she excelled athletically and socially through her formative years: she served as senior class president at Marengo Community High School; she was a four-year cheerleader and participated in varsity-level volleyball, basketball, softball, and track (being awarded numerous sports-related accolades including female athlete of the year); and was crowned the Queen of Settlers’ Days in 1982. Lynn was a bright, beautiful star with great promise. In the years that followed, she developed her passion for community building at Western Illinois University and, soon after graduating, married Scott Mortensen, also from Marengo, Illinois. At the self-proclaimed height of her life, Lynn was the executive director of the Belvidere Family YMCA (fundraising millions of dollars through various campaigns) and assumed leadership roles in several other community organizations including Zonta and United Way. She was a proud mother and occasional coach to two cute and hyperenergetic towheads, and an eternal sun worshiper - to be found waterside whenever possible with good music blasting. If only this Lynn had stayed with us longer…

Alas, over time Lynn developed a severe form of alcoholism and slipped away from this version of herself. After parting ways with the YMCA and her marriage, she struggled to deal with and find treatment for her disease and its underlying causes. Her lack of success in that regard, however, was not due to a lack of effort. Indeed, she may have set a record for most rehabilitation programs attempted throughout her battle. Regardless of the trials and tribulations of alcoholism and the associated hardships, she still always exuded unconditional love for others and maintained her faith in God, with Trinity Lutheran Church in Rockford, Illinois serving as her lifelong spiritual home. She also maintained her keen sense of humor. Her greatest (paraphrased) hits include: the claim she could open her own rehabilitation facility with what she knew would - and would not - work for an addict; an unforgettable rendition of “Happy Birthday to You (woo woo)” every year without fail; and the infamous quip that she had already written her own obituary (which served as the basis for this text) and was prepared for whatever God might throw her way.

Lynn is survived by her two children, Kristin (Chris) Talac and Eric Mortensen; her mother, Clara Hellemann; brothers Leslie (Leah) Hellemann and Tim (Kris) Hellemann; aunts Marie McCarthy and Ruth Hellemann; cousins Constance McCarthy, Melissa (Darren) Howlett, and Kathleen Morrison; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Leslie Hellemann; uncles Ralph Hellemann, Franklin Hellemann, and Ben McCarthy; aunts Frances Hellemann and Geri Hellemann; and cousins David McCarthy and Kelly McCarthy. She just missed the chance to meet her first grandchild.

Private memorial service followed by interment at Scandinavian Cemetery in Rockford, Illinois. Please consider making a donation to the Life Recovery Programs of the Rockford Rescue Mission in memory of a truly beautiful human being who will always be missed and cherished.