Rena Hagerman-Mortensen, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully at home on July 17, 2021, after an extended illness, at the age of 76. She was born Rena Mae Leger on August 31st, 1944, to Galen and Dorothy Leger in Pocatello, Idaho.
While attending school she was very active in the Pep Squad and music. She graduated Pocatello High School in 1962 and went on to pursue her Elementary Education degree from Idaho State University. She began her teaching career at the old Jefferson Elementary school. She taught for over 30 years at many of Pocatello’s elementary schools and happily retired at the new Jefferson Elementary.
Rena married her high school sweetheart, Mike Sakelaris, and later the couple divorced, but remained friends. She met her second husband, Terry Hagerman, and they were married in 1974. Together they had two daughters: Natasha and Katie. Rena and Terry divorced in 1996, after 21 years of marriage. Rena later met Lynn Mortensen, they were married in 2001 up and until her death.
Rena had many lifelong passions that included, caring for animals, fishing, decorating, gardening, music, camping, and crafts. She loved sharing her passion and talent of music with her family and friends playing piano. She was extremely passionate about the Denver Broncos and would never miss a game. When Rena met Lynn, or Lynnster as she lovingly called him, he renewed her love of fishing, and they traveled many places to catch the “big one.” Her house was always decorated to the newest trends and won many awards for her landscaping and Christmas decorations. She was known for her willingness to always help anyone in need. She had a kind, loving spirit that was infectious to anyone around her.
Rena is preceded in death by her parents, Galen and Dorothy, a niece Traci, and brother Bruce, who was stillborn. She is survived by her loving husband, Lynn; two daughters, Natasha (Eldon) and Katherine (Melissa); stepson, Shawn; older brother, Larry (Maryann); two nieces, Julie and Kami; and one nephew, Todd. She is also survived by 4 grandchildren: Kylee, Madyson, Brennyn, and Isaac and one great granddaughter, Adilynn.
Services will take place Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at 2 pm in the Mountain View Cemetery (19W), Pocatello. Visitation will be held prior to services from 12-1:30 pm in the Cornelison Funeral Home, 431 N. 15th Ave., Pocatello. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.cornelisonfh.com
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