Robert "Bob" Dean Morris

Robert “Bob” Dean Morris, age 92, of Waterville, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Traditions in Waterville.

Bob was born on June 11, 1933, in Waterville, the son of Alfred Sr. and Kathryn (Kritzer) Morris. He received his education at Waterville Public School, graduating with the Class of 1951. In 1953, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Saudi Arabia as an airplane mechanic until his honorable discharge in 1957. Also in 1953, Bob was united in marriage to Gladys Meyer. Together they had three children and shared 13 years of marriage before Gladys’ passing in 1966. In 1967, Bob married Veryl Amundson, and they shared 37 years of marriage until her passing in 2004. In 2005, Bob was united in marriage to Janet (Grobe) Morsching, and together they enjoyed their later years in Waterville for the past 21 years.

Following his military service, Bob returned home to Minnesota and worked for a short time at Mercury in Faribault before moving to Wanamingo, where he worked for IBM in Rochester and farmed on the side for 25 years. He retired in 1991 and soon after moved to Waterville, where he dedicated himself to giving back to the community that had shaped him. He drove the community bus, bringing residents to appointments, volunteered at The Village in Waterville, and served as chaplain for the Elysian American Legion Post 311 Honor Guard for many years. Bob enjoyed gardening and generously shared his produce with others. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a beekeeper, a skilled woodworker, and a man who found joy in simple, meaningful work. During his working years, he was a member of the Spokesmen’s Club in Rochester. He served as an elder for many years at Christ Community Church in Waseca and later became a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Elysian. Bob will be remembered for his million-dollar smile, his gentle and kind spirit, and his genuine concern for others.

Bob is survived by his wife, Janet of Waterville; daughters: Louise (Steve) Schreiber of Byron and Carolyn Martin, of Waterville; step-sons: Todd Morsching of Little Falls and Jay Morsching of Barnum; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Gladys; second wife, Veryl; son, David Morris; stepdaughter-in-law, Rebecca Morsching; and siblings: Margaret (Bernerd) Schwanke, Shirley (Bob) Loeffler, and Alfred Jr. “Billy” (Kendra) Morris.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Elysian with Pastor John Pasche officiating. Interment will be at at Sakatah Cemetery in Waterville. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Traditions of Waterville for the wonderful care Bob received.