Morris, Grace K. (1925-2018)

MORRIS, HARVEY, GANGSTEAD, HENDERSON, SAVIDGE, MUMMERT, ANDERSON

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 3/15/2018 at 14:19:58

Grace K. Morris
October 18, 1925 - February 19, 2018

Grace K. Morris, age 92, of Storm Lake, Iowa, died on Monday, February 19, 2018, in Sioux City.

Grace Kathleen Harvey, a daughter of Herman and Esther (Gangstead) Harvey, was born on October 18, 1925, on the family farm near Goldfield, Iowa. Baptized and confirmed at the Lake Lutheran Church in rural Goldfield, she attended country school and then graduated from Goldfield High School in 1943. Next, she continued her education at Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa, graduating with a teaching degree in 1945.

Grace met the love of her life, Robert Ray Morris, while teaching 6th grade in Cresco, Iowa. They married at the Lake Lutheran Church on June 15, 1946. Following the ceremony, they left for Ft. Collins, Colorado, since Bob had enrolled at Colorado State College. Next, the young couple moved to Chicago, Illinois, after Bob was admitted to the Illinois School of Podiatric Medicine and Foot Surgery. After Bob graduated in 1951, Grace and Bob decided to make their home in Storm Lake, Iowa, where Bob set up his private practice as a podiatrist.

Grace, always, made her faith the center of her life. Devoted to her Lutheran heritage, she belonged to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church where she, actively, participated in the choir, circle, and mission work. In addition, she helped in the kitchen for many weddings and funerals.

A compassionate caregiver her entire life, Grace, as a young girl, helped care for her ill grandmother, as an adult, for her own children as they grew, for her husband as he aged, and then later, for her own mother. Indeed, she continued caring for many even when she herself needed extra care. She, was, widely known for her loving kindness.

Music always played an important role in Grace’s life. She participated in musical productions in high school and college. A vocal soloist, she sang at many weddings and events. A long-time member of the Melody Club, she helped direct community musicals. She passed on her love of music to all of her children.

Many people were drawn to Grace’s sparkling personality. She loved people, and people loved her. An enticing conversationalist as well as a wonderful listener, she endeared herself to many. Indeed, her wit, sense of humor, and sweet disposition allowed her to expand her friendships to people of all ages.

An excellent cook, Grace had honed her skills through becoming involved in 4-H and by helping her mother prepare meals as a young girl. Indeed, she won a trip to the Iowa State Fair for her bread making ability. Her family and friends shared many meals that she had lovingly prepared for them. A gracious hostess, she made all her guests feel welcome.

Grace made time for social activities. A member of P.E.O., Chapter JD, numerous bridge clubs, and cards groups, she, frequently, danced with Bob at the Penguin Club. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, doing word puzzles, watching wildlife, decorating, and shopping. Moreover, she and Bob made several trips to various areas of the United States after he retired.

Grace was well known to have a heart of gold. She was proud of her 100% Norwegian heritage which promoted her strong work ethic and determination. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Those left to cherish her memory include her children: Kathleen, and her husband, F. Law Henderson III, of Anchorage, Alaska, Krystine, and her husband, Robert Savidge, of Mesa, Arizona, Greg Morris, of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, and Jan, and her husband, Ron Mummert, of Spencer, Iowa; her grandchildren: Madeleine, F. Law IV, (Rachel), Aaron, and Trace (Ashley) Henderson; Bryant Savidge, Ray Erik Morris; and her special grandcats, Henry and Trixie Mummert; ten great grandchildren; her sisters-in-law: Maxine Harvey, of Sheffield, Iowa, Ellen Harvey, of Badger, Iowa, and Fran Anderson, of Ankeny, Iowa; her brother- and sister-in-law, George and Mary Morris, of West Okoboji, Iowa; and her honorary children, Mike and Deb Estes, and their family of Traer, Iowa; as well as extended family members and many friends.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dr. Robert Morris; her brothers, Elmer (Valborg), Raynard, Donald (Charlene), and Roger Harvey; and her granddaughter, Anne Michelle Savidge.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 24, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. Burial will follow in the Lake Lutheran Cemetery in rural Goldfield, Iowa. Visitation will take place Friday, February 23, 2018, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.

Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Homes, Storm Lake, Iowa, 2018.

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