Robert Joe Morse

MORSE, RICHARDS, SEARS, KREMER, YODER, HIGHTOWER, BAKER

Posted By: Skipton
Date: 1/11/2011 at 13:08:24

Robert Joe Morse (February 27th, 1948 – December 1st, 2009) – Robert was born in Muscatine, Iowa, and lived most of his life in the Winfield, Iowa area. He was raised on a farm with his parents, Rex and Pauline and two sisters. He graduated from Winfield-Mt. Union High School in 1967. He married Cynthia Richards in Columbus Junction on December 8th, 1968, and was a father to three daughters.

Robert dedicated every aspect of his life to service.

He started his professional service career early on as a high school student when he took a job at Johnson Chevrolet Garage in Winfield. Robert began serving his country in 1968 when he enlisted in the Air Force. He hoped to work in the motor pool, but he was placed in the electronics squadron where he worked on various equipment that provided assistance for aircraft. Robert was stationed in Oklahoma, Ohio, Texas and Greenland while he served.

After the Air Force, Robert joined his father in the family farming business. He farmed as much as 800 acres around the Winfield and Wyman area and also raised hogs.

In 1993, Robert returned to his original love of electronics when he partnered with local electrician, Glen Payne on a part-time basis. In 1998, Morse Electric was born when he started his own full-time electrical repair business. His focus was on helping homeowners keep their homes updated for safety purposes and energy efficiency. Over the last few years, Robert worked very diligently to obtain his master’s electrician license. Within the last year, he has also been involved in starting a wind turbine sales business for small businesses and homeowners.

Robert provided many years of service to the community through the Winfield Lions Club. He was a member from 1974 until his death. He served several terms as secretary and president of the chapter throughout his membership. He enjoyed interacting with a wide range of people during Lion’s events, from Old Threshers to the Cub Scouts to the general Winfield community. Robert and his family were part of the Jolly Neighbors Club, a social club made up of families in neighboring farms east of Winfield.

Robert was a dedicated servant to God. He was a member of the Winfield United Methodist Church. He was active with the Outreach Committee for more than 10 years. This committee’s primary focus is missions in the United States and around the world. He also served on the Trustees Committee. Robert loved studying the Bible and engaging in discussions with others. Even during his stays in the hospital, he took the opportunity to chat with his roommates or staff members to find out their beliefs and share his faith with them.

In 2001, Robert was diagnosed with lymphoma, then later with leukemia. As part of his treatment, he received a bone marrow transplant in 2003. For a couple years after the transplant, he was presumed to be cancer free, but the cancer slowly returned. Throughout his battle, Robert’s hope was that something would be learned from his treatment that would benefit future patients. Robert’s hobbies included watching NASCAR, traveling, spending time with family, and discussing religion and politics. He loved tinkering around with cars and anything mechanical to see how something worked or how he could fix it. He hated to see anything go to waste or be thrown out before trying to repair it. Robert loved people and talking with people. Over the years, he could often be found enjoying a cup of coffee, a slice of pie, and conversation at the local restaurant.

Robert is survived by his wife, Cindy; three daughters, Amy (Craig) Sears of Rochester, MN, Lisa (Jared) Kremer of Waterloo, IA, and Jill (Justin) Yoder of Morning Sun, IA; sisters, Janet (Bill) Hightower of Burlington, IA and Elaine (Bill) Baker of Columbus Junction, IA; four granddaughters and one grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother.

The funeral service was held Saturday, December 5th, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at the Winfield United Methodist Church, with Rev. Nancy Bender officiating. Interment followed at the Columbus City Cemetery with military rites. Friends called on Friday from 2-7 p.m. at the Honts Funeral Home in Winfield, where the family met with friends from 5-7 p.m.

Memorials have been established for the Winfield United Methodist Church, the Henry County Health Center Foundation and the University of Iowa Cancer Center.