Morris R. Valentine, 82, retired farmer, patriarch of the Valentine Family went into eternity January 3rd, at his residence.
Morris was born December 1, 1931 to parents Ellsworth and Caroline Valentine. From that union were also Morris’ siblings, Raymond “Doc” (Cindy), Romana (deceased), Barb (Chalmer) Hinton, Marilyn (Larry) Scott, Michael (Mary), Paula Valentine, and Mary Lou Valentine (deceased). Along with a step-brother Hale Valentine (Deceased).
On April 10th, 1954 Morris married his sweetheart Betty Caroline Baker from Cerro Gordo. From that union Morris leaves ten children; Carol (Mark) Kleven, Greg “Butch” (Deb), Mary Valentine (Scott), Ed (Roni), Ralph (Peg), Deborah (Marty) Stoerger, Kirk (Melissa), Bob (Tina), Sarah Valentine and Tim Valentine. Also grandchildren; Jesse Kleven, Kevin Slevin, Daniel (J.J.) Valentine, Matt (Phoebe) Valentine, Heather (Heath) Barrett, Jamie Christie, Jared (Tosha) Valentine, Vince Stoerger, Ben (Jessica) Stoerger, Jacob Purcell, Travis Purcell, Simon Valentine, Molly (Ben) Oberg, Sam Valentine, Kate (Larz) Oberg, Mary Grace (Fiancé Dave Hedges), Karolyn, Margaret, and Seth Valentine, and grandson Michael (deceased), great grandchildren; Zach, Aaron, Makayla, and Michael Valentine, Sam Parrish, Mason and Oscar Barrett, Lanie, Morgan, and Hannah Jamison, Sage, Shelby, and Lizzy Christie, Gavlyn and Nicholas Valentine, Autumn and Erin Stoerger, and Sawyer Valentine.
Morris had several nicknames; “Moses” from his siblings, “Moery” from his son-in-law Mark, and Pa Pa Moe from his great grandchildren. Morris had a gift in mechanics that his sons inherited. Give them all an old tractor or an old vehicle that somehow they would come up with the parts needed to get them up and running again.
Morris had several passions which included farming and restoring old Allis-Chalmer tractors. Nothing to him was any better than the color (Allis-Chalmer orange), the sound of a Allis tractor, or a Gleaner combine. Morris was fortunate to have farmed the A.C. Miller Farm in Monticello with his son Greg and his other sons for several years. Morris had great respect for individuals that serve in the military.
In honoring Morris’ wishes there will be no service at this time. There will be a family gathering at a later date.
In memory of Morris the family requests giving a love offering to the Willow Tree Missions in Monticello or Encore of Clinton. Morris had a love for gardening so this spring in his memory plant a fruit bearing tree, rose bush, or especially some watermelon seeds. Pa Pa Moe could grow great watermelons!
The family of “Morris” gives praise and thankfulness for his unconditional love and so many memories to cherish.
