Morren, Dick (Dirk) 1930-2017

MORREN, DOORNEWAARD VANDE WEERD

Posted By: Mary Lou Verburg (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:33

Dick Morren was born in Oostendorp near Elburg, in the Netherlands, on June 10, 1930 to Evert and Grietje (Doornewaard) Morren. He attended school for three years due to Germany's occupation of the Netherlands during World War II. The focus during those WWII years was family survival. Dick came to American alone at the age of 18 unable to speak a word of English. Dick worked for two years as a farm hand in Northwest Iowa to pay off his boat ticket. He continued to work as a farm hand until he volunteered to become a member of the United States Marine Corps. While serving in the territory of Alaska, Dick became a citizen of the United States.
Dick married Tracia Vande Weerd on Jan. 14, 1954 at the Presbyterian Church in Hospers, Iowa. Dick and Tracia rented various farms in S.D. before renting a farm near Hospers from 1963-1975. They eventually bought a farm and moved the family to the Beresford, S.D. area in 1975. That farm is still in the family today. He moved to Bethesda Nursing Home of Beresford in August of 2016 where he enjoyed several activities especially music, coffee and friends. Tracia moved to Bethesda Inn shortly after to be nearby.
Dick and Tracia enjoyed many things during their years together, including various church activities with many family and friends, card club, dancing, ballroom and square dancing, Hospers Saddle Club and traveling to the Netherlands to visit family. For Dick returning home at least 13 times. One trip included the whole family and they were blessed to stay at Dick's home place with his parents for six weeks. They enjoyed traveling the United States and to many other countries as well. During one memorable vacation in Belin, Germany, Dick had the honor to chip away a portion of the Berlin Wall.
Dick is survived by his wife of 63 years, Tracia, Beresford, S.D. five children, Clifford (Debra) Morren, Bennington, NE., Susan (Michaeal) Calmes, Glenrock WY, Rick (Julie) Morren, Beresford, S.D. Michael Morren, Le Mars, IA. and Lisa (Darren) Moser, La Crescent, MN. 10 grandchildren,and 7 great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his siblings and their spouses and many dear friends and extended family members.
Dick was buried in Delaware Reformed Church, Rural Lennox, S.D.
Memorials may be directed to Salvation Army Sioux Falls or Union Gospel Mission, Sioux Falls, S.D.

Source; Obituary