Rodney W. Morris

PORTAGE  --  Rodney W. Morris, age 68, of Portage, died on Sunday, December 13, 2009 at his home.

Rodney was born on March 31, 1941 in Streator, Illinois, the son of Marion H. and Rosalie (Wudtke) Morris.  He joined Lydia Torres in holy matrimony at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Randolph on January 20, 1962.  He served his country with the U.S. Air Force.  Rodney had worked as a machinist for G.E. Medical, and previously at Gisholt in Madison.  Rodney’s passions were gardening, nature and fixing everything.  He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Portage.

He is survived by his wife, Lydia;  his son, Marty (Jodi) Morris, Portage;  his daughter, Julie (Doug) Shew, Oshkosh;  his granddaughters, MacKenzie and Riley Shew;  his grandson, Jason (Jolene) Morris;  his great-granddaughter, Ariel Morris;  four sisters, Marlene Durand, Chicago, Patricia (Mary) Morris, Endeavor, Lyn (Bob) O’Reilly, DeForest, and Rita (Tony) Baillies, Pardeeville;  nieces, nephews, other relatives and many close friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Fredrick Morris, and a sister, June Baker.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 17, 2009 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Portage, with Fr. Jim Murphy presiding.  Inurnment will be private.  Visitation will be from 1:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Thursday at the church. 

The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.  www.pmmfh.com