Ben Morris, age 90, of Anita, IA, passed away on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at Exira Care Center in Exira, IA. True to Ben’s spirit, he lived a full life to the end. It will be almost impossible to summarize the wonderful life of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and dear friend, but we will try!
Ben was born Nov. 25, 1933 on what he called the “Brush 80” in Adair County to George and Betty Morris. He spent his childhood with two sisters, Gladys and Shirley. He attended numerous schools in the area and graduated from Casey High School Class of 1952. On December 6, 1952 he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart JoAnn Kuster. To this union they were blessed with two sons: Terry Ben in 1953 and Todd Anthony in 1954. Ben spent his life working. He started at an early age working on farms, making gun blanks, building tires, lugging beef, and “just pumping gas”. At his 50 year class reunion the moderator mentioned several in the class who had reached some high achievement, and then she said “and some JUST PUMPED GAS!” Upon retirement Ben continued to be active in the care of his farm ground. He enjoyed his homes at Spirit Lake and in Arizona. Together with JoAnn, they traveled to many foreign and domestic places. Ben was a fireman, Cub Scout leader, long time member of the Casey Methodist Church, Pinochle Club, Purity Lodge #283 (Past Master in 1978), and he joined the ZaGaZig Shrine in 2008. Ben loved hunting, fishing, golfing, shooting pool, playing card games, and watching his families’ activities. Ben will be missed for his never-ending enthusiasm for life, his ability to love without judgment, and his love and support of all his family and friends.
Preceding Ben in death were his mother, father, two sisters, his mother-in-law, along with many family and friends that he held dear. Ben is survived by his wife JoAnn, son Terry and wife Barbara, son Todd and wife Carolyn; grandchildren Dr. Andrew Morris (Audra), Ryan Morris (Katie), Molly Conlon (Matt) Danielle Winchester (Brett), Jennifer Morris, and Kimberly Knudsen (Luke); also very special nephew Jim Andersen (Connie), twelve great grandchildren, nephews Ben and David, and niece Pat.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to Casey United Methodist Church or Exira Care Center. The family is grateful for the amazing staff members at Exira Care Center and the Atlantic Hospital who lovingly cared for Ben.
Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 26, 2024, at the Casey United Methodist Church in Casey, Iowa. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church.
A luncheon will be held following the service in the fellowship hall of the Casey United Methodist Church.
Private interment will be held a Dalmanutha Cemetery near Casey, IA.
Memorials may be directed to the Casey United Methodist Church or Exira Care Center in memory of Ben and may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.
Services are handled with the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Anita.
