Roger L. Morrison

Roger Morrison, 71, passed away on Sunday, January 8, 2023 at MercyOne Medical Center from results of a stroke and fall. If you knew Roger you're probably shocked as he was a very healthy and active person.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 27, 2023, at Izaak Walton League, 4343 George Flagg Pkwy in Des Moines. Visitation will be from 3 to 4 p.m. with a Celebration of Life service at 4 p.m. and will continue until we run out of beer. Casual dress is requested, Rog would want it that way. Time will be given to anyone that would like to speak.

Roger was born November 24, 1951 to Roscoe and Dorothy Morrison who lived in Adel and moved to Des Moines in 1955. He graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1970, then on to the University of Northern Iowa earning a BA in Business Management. His professional career began at American Federal Savings, followed by Meredith Corporation which later became NeoData, then joining Wells Fargo until his retirement in 2014. He made many life-long friends while at work. In 1977, Roger married the love of his life, Katherine Lorenz Allen. Her sons, Ross and Jay, completed their family and brought much love and joy to his life. They enjoyed many vacations and road trips, memories Ross and Jay cherish to this day. When grandson Vance was born in California, Roger became a beaming, proud "Gampa" and he and Kathy traveled as often as they could to visit. When son Ross lived in Missouri, they enjoyed road trips there. He especially loved the gatherings at his parents' home while they were still alive, and would reminisce about them regularly at family gatherings for years to come. He was a wonderful brother, uncle and grand uncle. When Kathy developed Alzheimer's, Roger cared for her in their home until it was no longer safe to do so. Family was important to Roger. Rog was an accomplished athlete throughout his life. He played baseball, tennis, basketball and softball, but his favorite exercise was lawn maintenance. He enjoyed sporting events, whether attending in person or watching on TV. He followed all Iowa teams but would be rooting for the Hawkeyes during the Cy/Hawk showdown. Roger’s favorite teams would be the one Vance was playing on, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the St. Louis Cardinals. He was passionate about music, especially live events, taking trips with Kathy to the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival, Central Iowa Blues Society events, and anywhere there was good music and cold beer. He loved engaging in long listening sessions at home and discussing music for hours with anyone that was as passionate as him. Rog was at the forefront of the craft beer renaissance. He enjoyed touring breweries, discovering different beers, and sharing a cold one with friends and family.

Roger is survived and lovingly remembered by his two sons, Ross (Theresa) Allen of Haverhill, and Jay (Alyssa) Allen of Lake Balboa, California; his sisters, Diana (Jim) Wissler of West Des Moines, and Linda Bucklew of Des Moines; his grandchildren, Vance Allen, Taylor Mosher and Noah Frederiksen; nephew, Ben Wissler; niece, Megan Yeager; and grandnieces, Afton, Erin and Adeline Yeager. Roger was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Katherine.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Iowa Blues Society; Alzheimer's Association in memory of Kathy; or ALS in memory of Roger's friend Mark Myers. The family would like to thank the excellent care of the MercyOne medical team, especially Chandler and Nick, whose compassion and professionalism helped us all through this tragedy.