Richard Gene Morlan

Richard (Dick) Gene Morlan, Age 82, of Bemidji, MN passed away peacefully on Feb. 24, 2014 at his sister’s home in Las Vegas, NV. Dick was born Feb. 15, 1932 to Floyd and Lu Lu Morlan in Crookston, MN. After graduating from Crookston High School, he honorably served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Using the GI Bill, he attended Moorhead Teacher College in Moorhead MN for 2 years and completed his education at Bemidji State Teachers College in Bemidji MN, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education, majoring in Social Studies and Physical Education. Following graduation from college, he married The LOVE OF HIS LIFE, Mayzelle Johnson in Clearbrook, MN in January of 1960. Dick taught School for 1 year in Towner, ND. He worked for MN Job Service in St. Paul for 1 year and then transferred to Bemidji Job Service, where he was employed for 31 years. Following his retirement from Job Service, he worked in area schools as a substitute Teacher. He volunteered at the Bemidji Hospital, working in the Gift Shop until his death.

Throughout his life he was a sport enthusiast. During High School he was on the varsity baseball, basketball, track and football teams. For football he was a co-captain and became their star player when he ran 90 yards for the winning touchdown during their homecoming game. He made all conference in football and was offered a football scholarship to UND. He coached and refereed for several years with different teams. His highlight was when he took the 1974 Bemidji American legion baseball team to state and won second place. His love for sports never diminished and as he aged he was a passionate spectator.

He was a compassionate, gentle man who loved spending time with his family and friends. He often visited nursing homes and hospitals with his Bible in hand. He was a member at the First Baptist Church of Bemidji, where he served as a deacon and usher. He loved to fish and hunt and liked sharing his jokes with everyone. Many will remember Dick as the man who walked along highway 2 west between his home and Pete’s Place and waved at all who passed by. He is survived by his wife, Mayzelle, 2 sisters, Betty Klemens(Las Vegas), and Mary Taus (Bemidji), daughters, Darla(Tony) Barber of GA, Sally Hasbrouck of Bemidji, son, Alan(Kirsten) Morlan of AK, daughter, Nancy Backstrom of Bemidji, He has 19 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, Floyd and Robert and 2 sisters in law Rosalie Morlan and Arlyss Emmel. Memorial services will be at the First Baptist Church of Bemidji (next to the mall) on Friday March 7th at 2:00 p.m.