Tracy Mortenson

Tracy Ann Mortenson, 45 of Laurel, NE, passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2024, as a result of an automobile accident. Tracy was a loving mother, wife, sister, daughter, and friend. The visitation will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Wakefield, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wayne, NE on Friday, October 25, 2024. Burial will follow the luncheon at the Wakefield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial account has been established at Security Bank in Laurel (202 E 2nd St., Laurel, NE 68745). Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Wakefield, NE. 

Tracy was born in Wayne, NE on April 28, 1979, to Melvin and Carol (Eilers) Mortenson. She graduated from Wakefield High School and went on to receive a sociology degree from Wayne State College. Tracy was married to Ryan Van Cleave on September 6, 2003, in Wayne, NE. That day, she became a mother to Ryan’s daughter Shelby. Tracy and Ryan went on to have two children together, London and Grady. They were married for 11 years. Tracy married Brent Jones on February 29, 2020. Together, they had one son, Bruin. 

After college, Tracy worked at NorthStar Services for 6 years. She went on to spend 4 years working at Kirkwood House. Tracy then worked at Ameritas for 12 years until her death. Tracy’s greatest accomplishments in life were her children. She was many things, but she was always a mother first. She loved them unconditionally. 

Tracy is survived by her husband, Brent Jones of Laurel, NE; daughters, Shelby (Anthony) Workman of Laurel, NE, and London Van Cleave of Vermillion, SD; sons, Grady Van Cleave of Yankton, SD, and Bruin Jones of Laurel, NE; father, Melvin “Butch” Mortenson of Wakefield, NE; brothers, Chris (Autumn) Mortenson of Arkadelphia, AR, and Kobey Mortenson of Wakefield, NE; and many more aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and loving relatives. 

Tracy is preceded in death by her mother, Carol Mortenson; and cousin, Trisha Kinnaman.