Memorial
Darrel Arle Morf, 81, of Mount Vernon, Iowa died of pancreatic cancer on Thursday, July 10 at his home surrounded by his family. A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, July 28 at the Church on Northland (First Baptist Church—Church of the Brethren) with Pastor Patrick Jackson officiating. There will be a visitation at the same church on Sunday, July 27 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. A livestream of the service will be available at thechurchonnorthland.com
Born on December 24, 1943 to Arle and Ruth Vaala Morf in Fredericksburg, Iowa, Darrel lived a life filled with joy, achievement, and service.
Darrel’s growing-up years were spent in small- town Iowa. He graduated from Fredericksburg High School in 1962 and continued his education at the University of Iowa where he majored in political science, graduating in 1966 with highest distinction. He graduated with the storied class of 1969 from the U of Iowa College of Law.
In 1968 Darrel married Middie Mae Petersen, daughter of Martin and Madge Thompson Petersen of Cushing, Iowa. It was a lifelong partnership, lasting 56 years. After law school, Darrel clerked for U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Donald Lay in Omaha. He then took a position with the firm of Simmons Perrine Albright and Elwood in 1970, which later became Simmons Perrine Moyer and Bergman. It was another life-long partnership—he never retired, and he practiced law for 55 years. He also taught estate planning courses at the U of Iowa Law School for nearly 20 years as an adjunct professor.
Darrel and Middie lived in Cedar Rapids for 6 years before choosing to move to Mount Vernon. It was a move they never regretted. After living in town for 10 years they moved to the countryside in rural Mount Vernon where Darrel resided until his death. It was in Mount Vernon that they raised their 3 sons, Paul, Andrew, and Alex.
Darrel immersed himself in church and community affairs. He was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church-Church of the Brethren in Cedar Rapids. Darrel’s faith was the foundation of the way he lived his life and the way he treated other people. His interest in enriching his community led him to serve as a board member of the Hall Perrine Foundation, Mercy Hospital, Mercy Hospital Foundation, the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Foundation , and the University of Iowa Law School Foundation. He also served on the American Baptist Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board, the General Board and the Home Missions Board of American Baptist Churches USA.
Darrel was a long-time member of the Mount Vernon Lions Club. He was well known for calling bingo on Mount Vernon’s Main Street on Heritage Days.
Darrel had many passions. He loved to travel, to take in live theater, and to work in his yard and garden. He was an ardent Hawkeye fan, especially football and wrestling. He loved cross-country skiing. He loved to celebrate his Norwegian heritage.
He loved the family’s restored prairie, mowing walking trails, and riding with family members in his Gator to seek out the latest wildflowers, birds, and butterflies. He loved to be with people whether in large groups or a few close friends, and he maintained friendships from all the seasons of his life. However, his greatest passion was his family. His wife, 3 sons and daughters-in-law, and his 9 amazing grandchildren were the light of his life. He was very close to his brother who helped to give him such loving care during his final weeks of life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Middie’s parents, and his beloved aunts and uncles.
He leaves to mourn his passing and to celebrate his life his wife, Middie; his three sons-- Paul, (Amy Friedl) of rural Mount Vernon, Andrew, (Reagan Morf) of rural Mount Vernon, and Alex (Charise Greene) of Putnam Valley, New York; his grandchildren: Nellie, Abbie, Betsy, Ingrid, Hannah, Annika, Mariah, Eli, and Weston; his brother, Dano Morf, a nephew, Eric Morf, and a niece, Ali Morf Sparks (Asa).
Memorial gifts may be directed to The First Baptist Church-Church of the Brethren or the Mercy Hospital Foundation.