For those who knew him, it will come as no surprise that Jim Morten died exactly as he had decided years ago and affirmed just the day before his death: at his home on Big Trade Lake in rural Frederic, Wisconsin.

James Clarence Morten was born on March 21,1936 near Wanderoos, Wisconsin and passed away on November 18, 2025 in Trade Lake Township. Though these points on the map are just 30 miles apart, Jim’s life was filled with big adventures, taking him to Germany when he served in the Army (1955-58) and twice to live in the greater Los Angeles area (1959-66 and 1980-96). His hunting, fishing, and traveling pursuits also saw him crisscrossing North America while also knowing every excellent fishing hole in Polk and Burnett Counties.

Jim was one of eight children born to Clarence & Jeanette Turner. As the eldest boy with three older sisters, being a big brother was the defining part of his character. As myriad pressures of raising a family during the Great Depression became insurmountable, Jim and his younger siblings were supported by the Polk County foster care program, but the siblings stayed in close contact their entire lives. Adopted by Rudy & Mabel Morten in 1947, Jim became a student in the Centuria Schools, graduating from high school with the Centuria High School Class of 1954.

Jim returned to Centuria from the Army in 1958 and met Phyllis Hanson. As newlyweds, Jim & Phyllis moved to Los Angeles where he learned the drywall trade and they started raising their family (Barry, Danette, and Rene’), along with a consistent menagerie of chickens, game birds, rabbits, dogs, and cats. The Mortens returned to Polk County in 1966 and Jim started Modern Interiors in Luck, introducing drywall intro rural northwest Wisconsin.

Over the years he trained dozens of men to hang, tape & finish drywall. In Luck, Jim served as a bus driver for the Luck Public Schools, volunteer EMT, Luck Village Trustee, women’s fastpitch softball coach & Little Butternut 4-H softball coach. He was also an active officer in the Polk County Sportsmen’s Club, representing Polk County at the Wisconsin State Conservation Congress and co-leading management of the Sportsmen’s Club Booth at the Polk County Fair. Jim’s was an extremely active life raising kids, cattle, gardens, running a business, and hunting & fishing with great devotion, plus bowling, card games, and a cabin near Dairyland, WI.

In 1980, Jim & Phyllis returned to California and Jim continued to work in the drywall field, primarily doing commercial projects until his return to Wisconsin in 1997, following his divorce. Jim was making his way as a bachelor at his home on Big Trade Lake when his dear friend, Don Beebe, came for a long visit. Don’s unexpected cancer diagnosis led to contacting their mutual friend, RN Nancy Hvambsel, to discuss Don’s healthcare journey. Nancy and her late husband, Bumps (Burns Erling), had raised their four children (Blake, Blaine, Beth, and Brenda) in Frederic and it didn’t take long for Jim and Nancy to recognize their kindred spirits for a robust social life, fun adventures, a love of playing 500 and the “marble game,” and their families.

Jim and Nancy were married in January 2000 and embraced the blended family of their adult children & grandchildren, as well as a large network of extended family members and friends. Their network grew even bigger with fundraising card clubs, 4th of July tractor parades, maple syruping collaborations, fun trips, and family/class reunions. One of Jim’s enduring legacies is being a good neighbor, one who brings creativity, community service, and a can-do spirit into every pursuit, which is something he passed on to his children & grandchildren and is something we celebrate most about his life.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Rudy & Mabel Morten, brother Jerry Morten, sisters Vera Heinl & Toni Ellis, wife Nancy, and granddaughter, Therese. Jim was also preceded in death by four very special life-long hunting buddies: Neil McKenzie, Dick Larson, Arnie Anderson, and Art Gross.

Jim is survived by his sisters Lee Jensen & Darlean Doriott; brothers Cliff (Mary) Askov & Curt (Caron); children Barry Morten, Danette (Bill) McCarthy, and Rene’ Morten; and stepchildren Blake Hvambsel, Blaine (Nancy) Hvambsel, Beth (Dan) Hvambsel Rosema, and Brenda (David) Hvambsel Lake. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 8 greatgrandchildren, and dozens of nieces & nephews. Also surviving Jim is his honorary granddaughter, Lauren Schiller who has been instrumental in providing care over the last two years as Jim fulfilled his goal of aging in place on Big Trade Lake. Special thanks to St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care during Jim’s final days.

A social gathering will take place on December 2, 2025 at the Luck Lions Club/DBS Hall from noon to 3:00. A full Celebration of Life will take place on March 21, 2026. In lieu of memorial gifts, please contribute to a local food shelf or humane society. Jim would have liked that.

Last Update: Nov 25, 2025 9:11 am CST