Morris Ysen

Morris Ysen, 89, Gary, Minnesota died Thursday Oct. 16, 2008 in the Merit Care Hospital, Fargo, North Dakota. Morris Norman Ysen was born January 2, 1919 the son of Carl and Nora (Albertson) Ysen on the family farm near Gary, Minnesota. He attended district #91 grade school near his home. As a young man he farmed with his father and later took over the farm. He operated the farm himself until 1978 when the Gary tornado took his dairy barn. After that he rented the farm land out and began working for the city of Gary. He continued his employment with the city until just a few years ago. In July of 2007, Morris moved into the Twin Valley Living Center in Twin Valley and had made his home there since. Morris was baptized and confirmed in the St. Petri Lutheran Church, rural Gary and was a member there until its closing. He then joined the Gary Lutheran Church. As a boy Morris enjoyed spending time cutting wood. He carried this passion for cutting wood into his later years by thinning out the Gary Pines while working for the city. Music played an important part in Morris’s life. Morris played in the Gary High School band, sang in the men’s choir at church and loved singing with his family. For years Morris played Santa Claus in Gary and where ever he was he had his faithful dog with him. He was member of the Gary Lions Club and will long be remembered for feeding deer during the winter in the Gary area. Morris is survived by all six of his sisters, Gurtrude (Arthur) VanErem, Waterloo, IA, Clarice Greise, Denver, IA, Myrtle Schroeder, Waverly, IA, Mildred Swendson, McCluskey, ND, Joyce McCracken, Gary, MN and Bonnie (Tony) Gielau, Denver, IA. Also surviving are many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents Funeral services was held Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 10:30am in the Gary Lutheran Church, Gary, Minnesota. Pastor John Ahola officiated with Alden Anderson as organist. His nephew Paul McCracken was the soloist. Pallbearers were Paul McCracken, Larry Dohogne, Mike Nelson, Kelly Gunderson, Garrett Chisholm and Jacob Liebl. The honorary pallbearers are the Gary Lions Club members and all of his nieces and nephews. Internment was in the St. Petri Lutheran Cemetery, Gary, Minnesota.

Morris Ysen

January 2, 1919 - October 16, 2008