---

Morton “Morty” Ford, died Monday, August 10 at Regions Hospital, St. Paul, Minnesota Born on November 21,1939, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Raymond O. Ford and Grace Swing Ford. His early years were a mix of  happiness and sadness; losing his father Ray at the age of 5. 

It was then his mother, brother Charles and sister Joan moved to Grandpa Ford’s farm, south of Shafer. Profoundly proud of his Swedish ancestry; with emigrant grandparents Anders and Mary Sving from Gävleborgs Län, Sweden, settling in Marine on St. Croix. From the early 1960’s, Lindström was his home for almost 70 years. A graduate of Chi -Hi class of 1957; he was a great athlete, playing football, baseball, basketball, and softball.

In 1959, Mort enlisted in the US Army serving as a Sergeant in the Tank and Armor Division, stationed in Erlangen, Germany. He was proud to be a Cold War Veteran.

On October 28, 1961, Mort took a gamble and married a girl from Taylor’s Falls - Judy Bourasa. Theirs was a marriage of almost 64 years. They raised three children: Dan, Jake and Gina. Mort's legacy continues through his grandchildren; Zach, Andrew, Morgan, and Joe, and his great-grandchildren; William, Della, and Eleanor.

Mort worked on the farm, then became a Foreman with the Ford Motor Company/St. Paul Assembly Plant. He was General Manager for VH Industries in St. Paul and Minneapolis. After retirement he found joy in driving for Hazelden, bringing smiles and colorful stories to all he encountered.

Mort was not only a skilled athlete but also a master storyteller, known for his candid, unfiltered and politically incorrect humor. Judy always said, “We’re all entitled to Mort’s opinion!” He loved hunting and fishing, cheap gas, cheese curds and bacon, Costco rotisserie chicken (only $4.99!), cribbage and lutefisk, watching his kids and grandkids perform and play sports. But his greatest passion was golfing! Mort was also a Mason and a member of Hiram Lodge, Lindström, MN.

Mort's life was full of love and support of many dear friends and family members. Although predeceased by his grandparents, parents, siblings, many brothers and sisters-in-law, and good friends - these memories continue to bring comfort.

He is survived by his wife, Judy; children: Dan (Ken Cheney) Ford, Jake (Kelly) Ford, and Gina (Roger) Thomasen; his grandchildren, Zach (Stephanie) Ford, Andrew (Grace) Ford, Dr. Morgan (Conor Kennedy) Ford, and Joe Thomasen. great-grandchildren, William, Della, and Eleanor Ford. Many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends.

In gratitude, Mort's family extends their heartfelt thanks to the exceptional team at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. The doctors, surgeons, specialists, and nurses performed extraordinary care and comfort, for which our family is forever grateful.

Mort made us laugh; his off-color stories and jokes were legendary. He made us all cry when he left us, leaving an indelible mark on anyone who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, our family would like to place a bench at the Chisago Lakes Golf course in his memory – “go ahead dad, you can play through!”

A Celebration of Life for Mort is Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at  Chisago Lakes Golf Course from 10 AM to 1 PM.  Arrangements by the Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom, MN  Condolences may be expressed online at www.grandstrandfh.com

---