Walter L. Morris (1928-2017)

MORRIS, FREED, SMITH, BILICH, SHUPE, AMMON, WICKERSHAM

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 2/4/2017 at 14:08:10

Obituary from Antila Funeral Service, Inc.:

Walter L. Morris, 88, a resident of the Bluffs in Houghton, and a former long-time resident of Ames, Iowa, and Sioux City, Iowa, died Thursday, January 19, 2017, at the Omega House.
He was born on April 8, 1928, in West Union, Iowa, a son of the late Edward and Neva (Freed) Morris. He was raised in Ames and graduated from Ames High School and continued his education at Iowa State University in Ames, receiving a degree in Civil Engineering and attended Stanford Business School.

On June 13, 1948, he was married to the former Elizabeth Ann Smith. The couple made their home in Ames, raising two sons, Mike and Craig. Eventually, they lived in several cities during Walt’s career, making their final move to Sioux City in the late 70’s. Elizabeth passed away June 24, 2016. Following her death, Walt moved to the Bluffs in Houghton.
Walt worked for 29 years with the Iowa Department of Transportation. He then went to work for Boswell Contracting and later for Irving F. Jensen Construction Company, both located in Sioux City. Walt retired as CEO from Power Plant Aggregates.

Walt was an innovator leader nationwide in the marketing and use of fly ash and kiln dust. On several occasions Walt went to the White House for breakfast meetings with President Ronald Reagan and committees to present the use of fly ash in concrete paving, which eventually was approved in state and federal highway construction.

Walt was past president of the National Fly Ash Association and an officer in other industry associations.

He was a member of the Methodist church and the Kiwanis and Rotary clubs. Walt and Elizabeth enjoyed many years of ballroom dancing and playing bridge. Walt was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed golfing, fishing and hunting. He accompanied his son, Craig, on several trips to South Dakota for pheasant hunting.

Walt was an extraordinary woodworker. He made several pieces for his children and grandchildren to enjoy for years to come.

Walt is survived by his two sons, Mike Morris of Aurora, Colorado, and Craig (Kay O’Connor) Morris of Houghton, Michigan; four grandchildren, Whitney Morris and Alexander Morris, both of Colorado, Brady Morris of Madison, Wisconsin, and Katie (Anthony) Bilich, of Madison, Wisconsin; a sister-in-law, Clarine Shupe of California; and a brother-in-law, Duane “Whitey” Smith of Colorado. Besides his parents and wife, Walt was also preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Les and Ester Morris; and two sisters and brothers-in-law, Betty Lee and Bob Ammon and Janie and Tom Wickersham.

Walter’s request was to be cremated. Interment will take place in the spring at the Ames Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Omega House, 2211 Maureen Way, Houghton, Michigan, 49931, in the name of Walter L. Morris. Arrangements are being handled by the Jukuri-Antila Funeral Home of Hancock, Antila Funeral Service, Inc.