Virgil "Berl" Morris, age 89, of Emerson, Iowa, passed away, Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Red Oak after a brief illness. Virgil "Berl" Morris was born March 17, 1921 in Pottawattamie County, Iowa the son of Virgil and Thelma (Hetrick) Morris. In 1930 the family moved to the Henderson area. Berl graduated from Wales Lincoln High School in 1938. He was united in marriage to Delphine Ruth Bucher in 1943. Two daughters were born to this union: Judith Ann and Marlene Ruth. They farmed north of Emerson, Iowa and in the Wales area. Delphine passed away in 1948. Berl moved to Henderson in 1948 and later was unable to continue farming as a result of a back injury. He was united in marriage to Gladys Lofgren Fetrow in 1950. He worked in equipment maintenance, telephone repair, and was a lineman until 1960 when he purchased Lang Feed in Emerson becoming Emerson Farm Supply. The family moved to Emerson in 1961. Gladys preceded him in death in 1998. Berl was united in marriage to Karen Cooper Petty in 1998. Berl was baptized at the Henderson Christian Church and was currently a member of the Emerson Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Humanity Lodge of the Masons where he was Past Master, Tangier Shrine, Botna Valley Shrine Club, Past-President of the Lion's Club, Volunteer Fireman, Emerson Community Club, Red Oak Elks Lodge, and Investment Club. Over the years Berl enjoyed Golden Gloves Boxing, Baseball, and Golf. He was an avid fan of the Kansas City Royals and the St. Louis Cardinals. Berl also never missed the College World Series.

Preceding him in death were his parents; step-mother: Florence Morris; two wives; brother: Jake Morris; and sister: Sarah Rodocker. Survivors include his wife: Karen Morris of Emerson, IA; daughters: Judy Hunt and husband Larry of Emerson, IA and Marlene Colerick and husband Steve of Emerson, IA; grandchildren: Tim Hunt of Emerson, IA; Brenda Black and husband Corey of Gilbert, AZ; Rob Colerick and wife Jill of Humboldt, IA; and Ryan Colerick and wife Jenny of Marion, IA; great grandchildren: Sam, Marcus, Hannah, and Cierra Colerick; step-children: Anne Christensen and husband Gary of Emerson, IA and Paula Rogge and husband Charles of Omaha, NE; step-grandchildren: Ashley and Chelsey Christensen and Jacob and McKenna Rogge; brother: Raymond Morris and wife Joyce of California; sisters: Marjorie Cleveringa and husband John of Sioux Center, IA and Doris Harman and husband Paul of Henderson, IA; sister-in-law: Roberta Morris of Emerson, IA; brothers-in-law: Darrell Cooper and wife Barb of Huntley, IL and Marshall Cooper and wife Barb of Oakland, IA; many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Saturday, December 11, 2010 at the Emerson Baptist Church with Rev. Larry Pries and Rev. Robert Jones officiating. Burial will be in the Farm Creek Cemetery at Henderson, Iowa. Masonic services will be held 6:30 PM Friday, December 10, 2010 at the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel with visitation with the family to follow until 8 PM. Memorials are suggested to the Emerson Baptist Church or the Shriners Children's Hospital for Transportation.

Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.