Martha (Rasmussen) Ortegren

Martha Ortegren, 101, of Godfrey, Illinois, formerly of Vandalia, Illinois, passed away Friday, May 14, 2021, at her home in Godfrey, IL.

Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 PM, Friday, June 4, 2021, at First United Methodist Church, Vandalia, IL, with Pastor Tom Goodell officiating. Burial will follow at Fairlawn Cemetery, Vandalia, IL. Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, Friday, June 4, 2021, at the FUMC, 1 hour prior to the service. Memorials: First United Methodist Church, Vandalia, IL; Asbury Village, Godfrey, IL; and/or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Miller Funeral Home, Vandalia, IL, is in charge of arrangements. Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.millerfh.net.

She was born October 26, 1919, in Marquette, NE, the daughter of Peter & Johanna (Pedersen) Rasmussen. Married Kenneth "Ken" Alfred Ortegren on June 8, 1940, Central City, NE, he passed away May 5, 2012. She was a retired Teacher and former Principal at Jefferson Elem. School, Vandalia, IL; and a member of First United Methodist Church, Vandalia, IL. 
Martha was a teacher beginning in a one-room schoolhouse in Nebraska and retiring as principal of Jefferson Elementary School in Vandalia, IL. She was very proud of her danish heritage. She and Ken traveled extensively during their 72 years of marriage. She had so many friends that she loved. She was famous for her Christmas cookie plates and for all the cards she sent. 

She is survived by: Son - Alan Ortegren & Bobbi, East Alton, IL; Daughter - Sharon Kay Spencer, Roxana, IL; 6 Grandchildren; 12 Great Grandchildren; 4 Great Great Grandchildren; and Several Nephews & Nieces. 

Preceded in death by: Her Parents; Husband; Son-in-law - Allan Spencer; Grandson - Dustin Rauch; 2 Brothers and their spouses; and 2 Sisters and their spouses.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Martha (Rasmussen) Ortegren, please visit our floral store.