Jack Morris

John Edgar “Jack” Morris, age 91, passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side. He was born in Des Moines, Iowa, to Viola, who died in childbirth. He was the son of Hubert and Leila Morris.

The family lived in Iowa and moved to Austin, MN, where Jack graduated from high school. Attending Iowa State as a pre-electrical engineering student, he completed his education in the ROTC program at the University of MN with a degree in journalism. Later, the family moved to Waltham, MN, where they farmed, raising hogs and chickens.

Jack began his career as an insurance adjuster in Superior, WI. In 1957 he began work with the newly built IBM plant in Rochester, MN, where he took pride in helping to write the plant’s first program. He began studying organ during high school years and became the church organist at the Austin Presbyterian Church where he later became a lifetime elder. He married Ardis Jacobson (member of the choir) in 1968. They resided in Oronoco, MN, where he was a charter member of the Kiwanis, a charter member of the Oronoco Volunteer Fire Dept. and served as a council member and Mayor. He was a Cub Scout master and 33rd degree Mason. He loved theater and church organ and played organ at the Bethany UM Church in Rochester for 30 years.

Jack and his wife moved to North Long Lake, calling their place “Paradise”. Jack loved playing organ for 16 years at the Pine River UMC. As a member of Grace UMC in Pequot Lakes, he enjoyed playing in the handbell choir and singing in the choir. Jack loved gardening, his Farmall tractor, camping, helping family and friends have fun boating and fishing.

Jack is survived by his wife of 51 years, Ardis; children, Katie Heil (Steve) of St. James and Jon Morris (Lia) of Byron; grandchildren: Tseh, Sonny, Vanna, Torrey and Soren Heil, and Cody, Kim and Jackson Morris; special furry pal, Cookie; brother-in-law, Clem (Aya) of Colorado; nieces, Leighann (Tim) and Hildi (Tim) and their children; and special friend, Mickey.

Jack’s family would like to thank the Good Samaritan Hospice and Dr. Hanske for the wonderful care they gave Jack.

In lieu of flowers the family would prefer memorials to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children. Burial was in Oronoco, MN.

A celebration of Jack's life titled "Songs & Psalms" featuring Renee Anderson playing the organ, will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, August 14, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Pequot Lakes.