Obituary of Willard J. Morris

Willard "Willie" J. Morris, 92, received his heavenly wings on April 22, 2017, after a short illness. He was born May 30, 1924. He served as a sergeant during WWII in the South Pacific, maintaining aircraft on the island of Morotai, Indonesia. Willie could fix almost anything at Willie's Automatic Transmission, which he owned for more than 40 years. He also taught auto mechanics at the vocational school in Duluth until his retirement. Willie was a loving husband for the last 67 years to Betty, the love of his life. They enjoyed traveling here and abroad. Together they had five children. He loved his family, Cynthia (Dave) Olson, David (Linda) Morris, Patricia (Lester) Tukiendorf, James (Elizabeth) Morris, and Jonathan (Melanie) Morris. He was a kind and loving grandfather, great-grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend. He was preceded in death by his mother and father Esther and John Morris, sister Virginia Eastvold, brothers John and Dale Morris, and granddaughter Katie Morris. Willie lived a long and wonderful life filled with laughter, fishing, flying, boating, camping, and caring for others with his generous spirit that we will never forget. Thank you to the staff at Augustana Health Care in Apple Valley, Cremation Society of Minnesota, and Pastor Rusty Brace, Farmington Lutheran Church. A private service was held. Interment in Fort Snelling Cemetery at a later date. Memorials preferred to American Cancer Society or the Commemorative Air Force.