Wayne Morton

Wayne "Mort" Morton, 88, passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at Essentia Health- St. Joseph's Medical Center. He was a quiet man, with a gentle soul, and a genuine love for his family and friends.
Wayne, born in Velva, North Dakota, August 10, 1927 to Herbert and Doris (McDowell) Morton, was a 1945 Bemidji High School graduate and a WWII U.S. Navy veteran. He was a self-taught inventor and innovator in work and in life. Mort could do anything he set his mind to. He built a house from the ground up with no training and was instrumental in the development of the infra-red burner early in his 45 year career in the propane gas business. He was a mentor to many and very respected by his peers.
Wayne married Delores (Lind) on October 16, 1948 and that began their 63 year adventure. They loved traveling to visit friends and family, but were always happy to return to their beautiful lake home. Mort was an avid hunter and fisherman, who loved to read, watch the birds, putter around the house, and try his luck at the casino.
Wayne will be greatly missed by his children, Sue (Gary) Duda, Brainerd, and Scot (Jenny) Morton, Cheyenne, Wyoming; grandchildren, Josh (Amy) Duda, Jericho (Jeff) Croyle, Aaron (Roxanne Williamson) Morton, and Darby (Philip) Martin; great grandsons, Kian Duda and Edward Martin; sisters, Mazie Roberts and Bonnie (Roger) Butler; and his extended family.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Delores; parents; brothers, Irvin "Buck" and Bill; nephews, Dick Morton and Kevin Morton; and many close friends. A celebration of Mort's life will take place next summer. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN.