Richard Arthur Morris

Richard Arthur Morris died peacefully on Sunday, May 6, 2012. He was born on June 12,1928 in Chicago, IL to Margaret (Lund) and Arthur Morris. He spent his early years in Lake Mills, IA, Miles City, MT, and Albert Lea, MN. After graduation from high school, he served in the Navy as an electronic technician aboard the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr, DD850. He attended Macalester College under the GI Bill, graduating with a history and teaching degree, and later achieving a Master's degree from the University of Minnesota and a PhD from the University of Iowa. He taught in the History Department of UMD from 1964 until his retirement in 1993, and served a term as department head. He specialized in teaching European, French and Asian History, and had wide intellectual interests. He always said that the best way to learn a subject was to prepare to teach it.

He and his wife, Janice were long time members of Glen Avon Presbyterian Church. Dick served on all the boards and sang for 48 years in the church choir, occasionally singing solos. His musical interests included playing classical guitar. His other passions were tennis, fly fishing and golf. In tennis, he reached the state high school semi finals and the MIAC doubles championship and won many Duluth league trophies. He treasured the memories of his Montana fly fishing trips and hours spent on local streams. He was an enthusiastic golfer, taking special pride in his hole-in-one.

In addition to his wife of 58 years, Janice (Schneiter), he is survived by three sons: Ted (Debbie)Mcleod-Morris of Alden, IL, Michael (Anne Nally) of San Antonio, TX, and Mark (Ann) Morris of St Louis Park; two daughters: Barbara (Paul) Benn of Edina and Peggy (Jay) Kronick of Chaska; nine grandchildren, Andrew, Michael, Leah, and Jennifer Morris; Alexander(Annis)and Sophie Benn and Elizabeth (Brentan Alexander), Samuel, and Henry Kronick.

A memorial service will be held at Glen Avon Presbyterian Church at 11a.m., on Saturday, May 19. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to Glen Avon Memorial Fund or to a charity of your choice. To leave a memory of Richard or words of support for the family, please visit our web-site at www.bellbrothersjarvidowd.com