Gerald Kenneth Morton was born June 27, 1929, in Benson, Minnesota to Warren Stevens and Evelyn Helen (Kraft) Morton. He grew up in the Danvers, Kerkhoven, and Benson areas and attended school in Kerkhoven and Benson through the 8th grade. On June 22, 1950, Gerald was united in marriage to Theresa Elaine Hoefer by Dr. Dickson at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ in Benson. This union was blessed with more than 57 years of marriage, 9 children, 35 grandchildren, and 53 great-grandchildren. Gerald spent his first years on a farm in Danvers, Minnesota. His family moved to Kerkhoven when he was 12 years old, in 1941. About two years later, his family moved to a farm in Benson. After marrying Theresa, they made their home in Benson until 1962, Litchfield until 1977, and LeMars, Iowa to the present. Gerald drove truck for Industrial Molasses / Westway in Sioux City, IA. He was in the National Guard from 1944 to 1952 and served at Camp Rucker, Alabama during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the Benson Jaycees, American Legion and the Eagles. Gerald enjoyed working on old cars, racing in Sunburg when he was younger, and gardening. Gerald died on Tuesday, August 18, 2015, at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa. He attained the age of 86 years, 1 month and 21 days. Gerald is survived by his children: Pamela (Brian) Danielson of Buffalo, MN, Sherlyn Morton of South Sioux City, NE, Timothy (Lynne) Morton of Willmar, MN, Kenneth (Cindy Brenna) Morton of Sartell, MN, Debra (Michael) Cronen of Kandiyohi, MN, Susan (Gary) Kolker of LeMars, IA, Kathleen Friedrichsen of Holstein, IA, Gerald (Tierney) Morton of Calumet, IA, and Daniel Morton of LeMars, IA; 35 grandchildren; and 53 great-grandchildren. His beloved and faithful companion Tinker will forever rest with Gerald. He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Evelyn Morton; wife, Theresa in 2008; three grandchildren, Crystal Kolker, Jamie Morton, and Jeremy Vossen, two infant brothers; brother, Lynn Morton; three nephews: Dwayne Hoefer, John "Jack" Hoeper, and Tom Morton; and niece, Nancy Lou Morton. Gerald had requested no flowers be sent. Memorials are preferred.
