Gloria Jean Mortensen

Gloria Mortensen, age 65, of Gillette, WY passed away on April 12, 2026, with family by her side at the Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, WY after complications from a blood clot.

Gloria was born in Quinn, South Dakota, to Harold and Elsie (Crown) Mortensen on June 23, 1960. She was the third child and only daughter, joining her older brothers, Clark and Roger. She lost her father at the young age of five, a loss that shaped her early life. She graduated from Wall High School in 1978 and went on to earn her secretarial degree, working a variety of jobs over the years.

Gloria was united in marriage to Wade Whetstone on September 26, 1987. To this union, her only child, Michael Allen Whetstone, was born on October 1, 1987. They made their home in Gillette, Wyoming.

In 2007, Gloria lost her mother, with whom she shared an incredibly close bond. Her passing was a heartbreak Gloria carried with her always and one that left a lasting mark on her life.

Later, Gloria met the love of her life, Dave McDaniel. Together they built a life filled with companionship, love, and many cherished memories. They spent years managing the Super 8 Motel in Belle Fourche, SD and recently retired. They have stood by each other through life’s ups and downs.

Gloria’s greatest joy in life was her family, especially her two grandsons, Zeke and Jasper. Nothing brought her more happiness than being their grandmother—they were truly the light of her life and meant everything to her.

In June of 2020, Gloria suffered the unimaginable loss of her son, Michael. This heartbreak changed her forever. She loved him deeply, and his passing left a void she was never able to fully heal from.

Though Gloria experienced profound loss throughout her life, those losses reflected the depth of her love. She will be remembered for her strength, her resilience, and her unwavering devotion to her family. We can only imagine the peace she found in being reunited with her parents and her son in heaven.

Gloria is survived by the love of her life, Dave McDaniel; her brothers, Clark (Audrey) Mortensen of Spearfish, SD and Roger (Shirley) Mortensen of Gillette, WY; her grandsons, Zeke and Jasper, her nieces and nephew, and a host of other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her son, Michael Whetstone, and her parents, Harold and Elsie Mortensen.

A celebration of life and burial will be held at a later date.

Memorials can be sent to: Donor Alliance at DonorAlliance.org

To share a memory of Gloria or leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.