Mark Morris

Remembering the life of...

Mark Morris, 69, of Fergus Falls, MN, entered heaven on Christmas Day, 2024 after a brief stay at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND.

Mark Joseph Morris was born March 30, 1955, in Lisbon, ND, to Roger and Mildred (Gudmunson) Morris. He graduated from Leonard High School in 1973 and attended Alexandria Technical and Community College, graduating in 1975 with a law enforcement degree.

On October 28, 1978, Mark married Deborah Meyer at Aastad Lutheran Church in rural Fergus Falls. He was married to his sweet pea for 46 years and they had two children, Stephanie and Jason.

From a young age, Mark began working for the family business, Morris Sand and Gravel. His law enforcement career with Otter Tail County began in 1975, where he held various positions, including Deputy, Sergeant, and Chief Deputy Sheriff. He took great pride in protecting and serving the public for 30 years and enjoyed his first retirement in 2005 for approximately two weeks. He then began his second career in sales at Nelson Auto Center until his final retirement in 2021. Mark thoroughly enjoyed visiting with his loyal customers.

Mark's dedication to the community extended beyond his professional careers. He served on the Fergus Falls City Council, Aastad Lutheran Church Board, and was a member of the Eagles and the Otter Tail County Trail Association.

Over the years, Mark enjoyed many activities, including snowmobiling, golfing, hunting, fishing, boating, and spending time at the lake. There are legendary stories from his many adventures with family and friends. He could always be found patronizing his favorite local businesses, such as the Viking Café, American Legion, Mabel Murphy's, and the bowling alley (Northern Aire Lanes). He was an avid Minnesota sports fan and especially loved the Vikings and Twins. He was also a fan of auto racing and took the trip of a lifetime with friends to Nashville to watch the Ally 400, where he saw his favorite driver win.

Above all, Mark was a family man. His kids and grandkids were his pride and joy. He considered raising his children to be his greatest privilege and continued to offer guidance, encouragement, and support into their adult lives. In more recent years, Mark's favorite activity was spending time with and spoiling his four "little buddies". He loved making them smile by treating them to Happy Meals, Uncle Eddie's ice cream, and shopping trips for Legos, dolls, baseball and Pokémon cards. He attended many piano and dance recitals, skating shows, and choir concerts and was their biggest cheerleader at baseball, basketball, and soccer games. He also loved watching Landon and Blake bowl and caddying for Charlie and Roy. Mark's love for his family is his greatest legacy.

He was welcomed home by his parents, Roger and Millie Morris, Wally and Millie Meyer; brothers, Warren Morris and Steven Morris; grandchild, Baby Retzlaff; and grand-dog Bruno.

Mark is lovingly survived by his wife, Deb; his children, Stephanie (Jason) Retzlaff and Jason (Nikki) Morris; grandchildren, Landon and Blake Morris, Charlie and Roy Retzlaff, all of Fergus Falls; siblings, Doug Morris of West Fargo, ND, Diane (Joel) Aaberg of Guatemala; Betty (Preston) Shipe of Haslet, TX; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorials preferred to Backing the Blue Line.

Visitation: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, January 6, 2025 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at the church.

Service: 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, with visitation one-hour prior to the service at the church.

Clergy: Pastors Clay Mitchell and Steve Hoffman

Interment: Aastad Cemetery, rural Fergus Falls, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com