Morris, John

John Gordon Morris died on November 13, 2010, at the age of 88. He was born July 2, 1922, in Barrow-in-Furness, England, the only child of Thomas and Eleanor Slater Morris. They brought him to the United States at age 9 and raised him in Reading, Penn. During World War II he served in the army in Italy and North Africa. After the war, he completed his education in civil engineering at the University of Minnesota, where he met his wife of 60 years, Phyllis Greve Morris. John also earned masters of science degrees in engineering from the University of Wisconsin, and in urban planning from Northern Illinois University. He worked as a civil engineer for municipal governments and later had his own engineering consulting firm in DuPage County, Illinois. During this time John was also an officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve, completing 20 years of military service, and an active member of the Wheaton Rotary Club, serving as president in 1992-1993. After retirement, John and Phyllis moved to Iola, Wis., where he enjoyed life on the lake and writing poetry. He remained active through swimming and exercise at the Iola Fitness Center, completing its annual fitness triathlon at the age of 86. Mr. Morris is survived by his wife and their six children, Barbara (James) Babb, Tom (Heide) Morris, Pat DuChene, Carol Copek, Cathy Morris (Glen Doremire), and Robert (Moira) Morris. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Jonathan (Jacqueline) Babb, Michael Babb, Lesley Babb, Stephen Copek, Robyn Copek, Ian DuChene, Kathleen Morris, Erin Morris, and John “Jack” Gordon Morris II. The family greeted relatives and friends at the United Methodist Church of Iola, 190 West Iola Street on Tuesday November 16 at 11:00am. with the Memorial Service following at 11:30 AM. The Reverend Dale Eggert, Pastor will officiate. Register Book and online condolences may be sent by visiting www.voiefuneralhome.com.