Ragnar Amund Morken

Ragnar Amund Morken, 84, of Ames, Iowa, died at Israel Family Hospice House on July 11, 2023, after a courageous battle with colorectal cancer. He was born the fourth of six children to Ragnvald and Minnie (Elvik) Morken near Manger, on the island of Radøy, just north of Bergen, Norway, on February 1, 1939.

Upon completion of public schooling in Norway, Ragnar’s dream was to sail the world in the Norwegian Merchant Marine. As a young teen and already accustomed to hard work, he was employed in a sardine factory to save money to attend the school training vessel for sailors. However, plans changed when his father had other aspirations of temporarily moving the family to the United States of America. The week-long journey began on November 15, 1956. The Morken family, with the exception of two older siblings, set sail across the rough seas of the Atlantic aboard the MS Oslofjord, a move which proved to be permanent.

Upon arrival at New York Harbor, the family traveled by train to Ames, Iowa, where they settled. Along with his father and younger brother, Ragnar initially worked as a farmhand near Story City, and then for Fjare Home Builders in Ames. On June 25, 1960, Ragnar married Rachel Lee Nicholson in Ames, where they made their home and raised four children. They divorced in 1980.

Ragnar, known as “Ran” to co-workers and friends, spent the rest of his career in homebuilding. For years, he spent many evening and weekend hours on a variety of home improvement projects. He always worked hard at whatever he did and took great pride in a job well done. As a carpenter and foreman for Bliss Construction until the late 1980s, he had a hand in the crafting of many quality built homes in Ames. Thereafter, with a reputation for highly skilled carpentry, he worked remodeling jobs as a self-employed carpenter until retirement.

Always the outdoorsman, Ragnar enjoyed taking his kids fishing to Hickory Grove and McFarland Lake and attending their sporting events. He was an avid golfer and often met friends for an early morning outing at Homewood Golf Course.

Ragnar liked going out to dance at the Moose Lodge or Lake Robbins Ballroom and would often play his guitar and accordion, whether home alone or hosting a get together. He also enjoyed going to garage sales and flea markets and had a knack for finding unique and antique treasures.

Appreciation for his new country and a keen interest in civics led Ragnar to obtain naturalization as an American citizen in 1981. He was a deep thinker, and though he may not have expressed it verbally, his children are now discovering hidden talent revealed in his prolific writings, to be enjoyed by generations to come.

In his senior years, “the Ol’ Viking,” as he was often referred to by his kids, continued to enjoy many outdoor activities including grandchildren’s sporting events, ice fishing, and cross country skiing. As a proud Norwegian and a charter member of the Sons of Norway Kong Sverre Lodge in Story City, Ragnar always rooted for the Norwegian athletes during the Olympic Games. It’s no surprise that he was a big Minnesota Vikings fan!

In his later years, he stayed busy with wood carving and meticulously tending to his yard, where many hand-picked rocks have been landscaped as a reminder of “the old country.” He created a welcoming environment for birds, squirrels, rabbits and other critters, which he enjoyed watching from his kitchen window. It was a fun place for all to visit.

Over his lifetime, Ragnar made several trips back to Norway and welcomed visitors from Norway when they came to the USA. His final visit was in the summer of 2019, when he and all of his kids, along with some of the extended family, gathered in Bergen with many relatives for a memorable dinner get together.

Ragnar is survived by his children, Eric (Miyoung), Kurt (Trixie), Bjørn, and Audrey (Richard); siblings, Aud, Elsa, Edna, and Knut; 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Kasper; and stillborn twin daughter, Audra.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Merchant and the care team at William R. Bliss Cancer Center, along with Leigh Ann and the Mary Greeley Medical Center Hospice care team, for their dedicated and compassionate care.

Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at Stevens Memorial Chapel in Ames, with funeral services following at 2 p.m. Committal service and burial will be at the Ames Municipal Cemetery immediately following the service. Memorials may be made to Israel Family Hospice House or the Bliss Cancer Center.