Kenneth Lloyd Morrison

Kenneth Lloyd Morrison

October 9, 1932 – October 27, 2019

            Kenneth Lloyd Morrison was born to Lloyd Clarence Morrison and Mabel Catherine (Aikin) Morrison in Franklin, Nebraska, on October 9, 1932.  He was the youngest of 11 siblings.  He passed away at his home in Clay County, Nebraska, with his daughters by his side, on October 27, 2019.

            His wishes were to have a graveside service at The New Virginia Cemetery south of Bladen. The service will be Monday, November 4th, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Mark Diehl officiating.  Military Rites at graveside by Willie Fierstein Post #169, Campbell, Nebraska and the Nebraska National Guard Honor’s Team.   A meal will be served at the Community Center in Campbell following the service.  Private condolences may be sent to the family at www.mertenbutlermortuary.com.  Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements.

            Ken grew up in Franklin, Nebraska.  When he was only 5 ½ years old, his mother passed away leaving older sisters and neighbors to look after him while his father worked.  His ties to Franklin were strong throughout his life.  He often commented about his classmates and the friendships made in school.

            September 22, 1950, Ken and his buddy, Roy Spargo, joined the army.  Ken was only 17 years old at the time, and would have just been starting his senior year in high school.  Instead of enjoying his final year of high school, he would be serving his country in Korea.  Later he would get his GED, and graduate from Franklin High School in 1953.

            When he was discharged from the army in 1953, he joined the Air Force. He met Jean Adeline Pearson and they were married October 30, 1955.  To this union was born one son, Michael Lee, and two daughters, Steva Jo and Carlene Marie.

            He was in the Air Force until June 1, 1962.  After his military service, the family returned to Campbell to live while he attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education.

            He taught history, speech, and drama at Neligh Public School for over 25 years. He was the director of many one and three act plays and musicals for the school and the community. In 1973 he directed the Neligh Centennial Chautauqua which was written by himself, Levern Hauptmann, Earl McNare, Charles Wolfe, and Donna Bradley.  He was the coach for Mock Trial even making it to Nationals in New Orleans.  He earned his Masters Degree in Administration from Chadron State College.  He retired from teaching in 1993.

            For many years, Ken and his wife, Jean, were involved with the ASSE organization hosting several foreign exchange students in their home.  They formed many long lasting relationships with their students, especially their first student, Tobias Kjellberg, whom they later would visit in Sweden; and Bodil Forsling, also from Sweden, that ended up living in Minnesota. He was still communicating with them regularly via email until his death.

            In 2000, he moved to Clay county to be closer to his grandchildren and to his family in Franklin and Campbell.  He was a member of the First Congregational Church in Neligh but transferred his membership to the First Presbyterian Church in Campbell after moving to the farm.

            Ken was a voracious reader and writer.  He often wrote “letters to the editor”, stories about his family history, and poetry.  He was always jotting down something on his legal pads.  In March 1996 he wrote the following:

Obituary’s

            It’s inevitable to become an Obit, as we all know.  Destiny has made this known

            for we must return to the dust where we were born.

            It’s the process we must all go through as life becomes part of the known.  To

            think someone is going to print our name and let people know.  The date of life will

            be marked in stone.

            Maybe in years to come someone will marvel at what we’ve done.  And then maybe they

            won’t care for we may be only part of the unknown.  What is the unknown?  The part

            that has been lost to the memory and has not returned to home.

            The roll call is noted at the time of life’s ending but the knell never stops for

            those that have been known and remembered.  How long this rings is personal and

            individual.  A private thing held by each and his/her own.

            Eternity, a place that has no end.  Just a beginning.  You may think of another life in

            another state.  A fixation that may comfort your thoughts as you dwell upon this journey. 

            You’ll never know for it is the unknown until you have arrived as an obituary.

            This is for those that have gone too soon and will be part of our memory until we

            have joined the names on the selected pages in the newspaper.

                                                                                                            -KLM 3/96

            Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Letha Swiatowy, Veda Clements, Wayne “Boots” Morrison, Sarah Leota Anderson, Wilma Simmons, Millie Moberg, Belva Davis, Harold “Little Dickey”, Hal Morrison, and Marvel Jean; wife, Jean (Pearson), and son, Michael Lee.  He is survived by his daughters, Steva Jo Paus, husband Douglas; and Carlene Marie Clausen, husband Rick; grandchildren Brandon, Charleigh and Trey Paus; brother-in-law Bill Pearson, wife Rosalie; brother-in-law Bill Daily; sister-in-law June Morrison; and many nieces and nephews.

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