William Morrow

September 12, 1932 - July 4, 2023

Visitation

• Date: July 11, 2023
• Time: 10:00 a.m.
• Location: St. Ansgar United Methodist Church - St. Ansgar, Iowa

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Funeral Service

• Date: July 11, 2023
• Time: 11:00 a.m.
• Location: St. Ansgar United Methodist Church - St. Ansgar, Iowa

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William T. “Bill” Morrow, age 90, passed away at the Good Samaritan Home in St. Ansgar, Iowa after a long illness, on July 4, 2023, his own “Independence Day.” He was born September 12, 1932, the only child of Francis and Augusta Hibler Morrow in Newton, New Jersey. He grew up in northwestern New Jersey and graduated Newton High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1954 from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, majoring in agronomy. Shortly after graduation, Bill married Virginia Iliff, also from Newton, New Jersey, and went into his family’s Holstein dairy business. This farm had been in the family since the 1790s, a history and heritage Bill was very proud of. During his dairy career, Bill spent many hours studying and implementing advanced dairy genetics; several of his cows earned the highest honors in statewide and national purebred shows. Economic and regulatory pressures on Northeastern farmers increased during the 1960s and early 1970s. In 1973, after researching other places, the family made the milestone decision to become westbound “pioneers” and relocate the farming business to Mitchell County, Iowa. Operations were shifted from dairy to corn, beans and hogs. Thus, half of Bill’s life was spent in New Jersey and half in Iowa. At various times over his long life, Bill served in several community organizations, including as a volunteer fireman, a school board leader and, as an avid reader, leading the library board in St. Ansgar. Bill became a serious student and collector of antique early American glassware, an unusual hobby for a farmer. He was a long-time member of the St. Ansgar United Methodist Church. He was a big fan of his grandchildren’s sports activities. Bill was proceeded in death by his parents. He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Virginia “Ginny” Morrow, son Jim (Diana) Morrow of Decorah, son Jack (Joyce) Morrow of St. Ansgar and daughter Jeri (Richard) Weerts of Graeagle, California. Bill has nine grandchildren: Will (Ashley) Morrow of St. Ansgar, Jeff (Molly) Morrow of Denver, Iowa, Becky (Casey) Levin of Grand Junction, Colorado, Ben (Julia) Weerts of Longmont, Colorado, Jamie (Brent) Freilinger of Decorah, Ted (Sarah) Weerts of Portland, Oregon, Kristen Morrow-Minton (Jay) of Iowa City, Oliver Weerts of Graeagle, California and AJ Morrow of Decorah and Nashville. Bill has ten great-grandchildren: Barrett, Kamdyn, Elliotte, Sonora, Isabelle, Aiden, Skylar, Adley, Bennett and Blaire. Bill is also survived by his brother-in-law John (Terry) Iliff of Branchville, New Jersey. His Celebration of Life Service will be held at the St. Ansgar United Methodist Church on Tuesday July 11, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation and greeting the family will be at the church at 10:00 a.m., an hour prior to the service.