Stephanie "Stephi" J. Mortensen

Stephanie Mortensen, 60 of Kenosha, WI passed away Sunday, October 18, 2026 at her home, surrounded by family.

Funeral services celebrating Stephanie’s life will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 24, 2026 at the Elgin Community Christian Church in Elgin, NE with Pastor Andy McGowan officiating. Burial will follow at the Oakdale Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the church.

Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated for a Nursing Student Scholarship in Stephi’s name .

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.levanderfuneralhome.com. Levander Funeral Home of Elgin has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Stephanie Jean (Alderson) Mortensen was born on April 22,1966. The daughter of Billy and Beverly Alderson, she came into this world with a shout and a very bright light. She entered the promises of Jesus Christ and was baptized at the age of 12. Stephi attended School at Grant Elementary, Neligh and Elgin areas in Nebraska. Stephanie was an adventurer and a reality builder. She graduated from Bonner College of Hair, but set her mind on being a nurse. She achieved that with a Surgical Tech degree in Nebraska and later her LPN and RN degrees in Nebraska, serving as a school ambassador for two of those years. She achieved her BSN in Wisconsin. She also achieved several other certifications in the field of medical care during her time in Wisconsin.

On October 20, 1985 she was joined in marriage to Lance Mortensen. Stephi passed away two days shy of their 41st wedding anniversary. To this union three children were born and raised in the Norfolk, Neligh and Elgin areas of Nebraska. In 2009 Lance and Stephanie moved to Wisconsin where Stephanie enjoyed tremendous success in her career, never standing still and always moving forward. She was highly respected for her skills and leadership by her colleagues. She was a professional hobbyist and found joy in sewing, quilting, motorcycle riding, golfing, pickleball, paddleboarding, water painting, crafts and countless others. Anything Steph wanted to do she set her mind and achieved it. Stephi was a member of Stilettos on Steel Motorcycle Club and her time spent with the girls was some of her happiest moments. Stephi and Lance loved to dance, Lance was her frame and Stephi was the picture.

Along their life journey together Lance and Stephi learned what Grace and unconditional love were, and through scripture realized Gods design for one-ness and their lives were changed forever. Every morning Lance would find Stephi at her dining room table with a coffee, bibles and reference books studying the word of Yahweh. Her Bible survived a flood and fire, and every page was marked up with highlights and personal insights and revelations. To truly know her one needs to simply page through her Bible. She has touched countless other lives, and built innumerable friendships, her bright light always shining from her eyes. Never ashamed of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Steph lived her life a bold witness to the Way. She never hesitated to pray with a patient, friend or stranger whenever the Holy Spirit prompted. Steph loved to pay it forward, often paying for others’ coffee or calling a waiter over and paying for a young family’s meal. It was not uncommon for her to pay for someone’s groceries if they were having a problem at checkout.

Stephi and Lance learned of her cancer in early 2024. She endured several courses of treatment and surgical procedures along the way but received bad news of a third return and a very aggressive disease path. As with all things she fought it valiantly and bravely never doubting God could heal her. In her bible, Stephi noted that her favorite scripture during her battle was Psalm 18.

God took back His light when Stephanie let go of her last breath of life on October 18, 2026. Stephanie is survived by her husband Lance Mortensen of Kenosha WI, parents Bill and Bev Alderson of Elgin NE, a brother Billy Jr of Oakdale NE. Son Justin Mortensen and wife Simone of Racine WI, son Jarred Mortensen and wife Stefanie of Oakdale NE, and her best friend and daughter Caitlin Svoboda and her husband Daniel of Hastings NE. From her three children Stephanie was blessed with 16 grandchildren.

She is now joined with the many loved ones who went before her: her in-laws Ronald and Marlene Mortensen, her grandparents, brother Jonathon Alderson, grandchild Tripp Svoboda, a beloved nephew Jason Mortensen, great niece Lily Mortensen, and several aunts and uncles.

Stephanie’s life cannot be condensed into a few paragraphs or an hour service. If you met Stephi you would soon count her as a friend. What a joy and privilege to share a piece of it. What an honor to be her friend and husband. When the end approached, I told her to prepare a place for me, and she promised me the first dance. I am looking forward to having that promise fulfilled.