William Charles Morris

Bill attended Roosevelt Grade School, South Junior High and Central High School, where he played football. Upon graduating in 1948, he enrolled at the University of North Dakota until duty called, and he served honorably in the US Army's medical corps.

Returning to civilian life, Bill earned a BA degree from UND before achieving his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. He thoroughly loved his practice in Grand Forks, serving the community until his retirement in 1989.

On August 3, 1958, Bill married Ida Johnson at Nekoma Lutheran Church, Nekoma, ND. Together, they built a loving family, Julie Bau, Farmington, MN, son John Morris, Shakopee, MN, and grandchildren Kailey Bau, Mankato, MN, Brooklyn (Brooke) Bau, Winona, MN, Alexandra (Lexi) Morris and Jack Morris, Shakopee, MN. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Agnes and William C. Morris II.

He was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church and involved in Young Life. His family was always first with him and he would take them fishing or later watch when they were involved in sports to their events. His grandchildren were his pride and joy and kept him young.

Throughout his life, Bill was involved in community organizations, including serving as president of the Sertoma Club and membership in The Order of the Free Masons, Shrine Club, Drum & Bugle Corps, Grand Forks Curling Club, and the Fraternal Order of the Elks.

He had a deep connection with the Bemidji area, having fished there with his parents as it reminded him of Lake of the Woods, another place close to his heart.

His greatest source of joy lay in simple pleasures – cutting grass, planting flowers, observing birds by the lake, and immersing himself in the outdoors. A sports enthusiast, he enjoyed hockey and football and golf. He loved fishing especially at Lake of the Woods in Ontario. Bill also enjoyed hunting ducks, geese, partridge, grouse, and pheasants.

Following retirement, woodworking became his chosen hobby, crafting eagles, tables of various shapes and sizes from tree stumps and limbs, and even a coffee table in the form of a boat.

After retirement he and Ida split time between their lake home on Turtle River Lake (Bemidji, MN) and Englewood, FL. A family celebration of life will be held in the spring at Calvary Lutheran Church.