My first contact with the Morf family was “riding the boards” when Alex and my son, Drew Virlee, were wrestling for MVHS. During a rather standard awards program at the end of the season, Mr. Morf stepped forward and gave a compelling observation about wrestling being a noble and Biblical sport and how wrestling taught many life skills: preparation, decision-making, and tenacity. At Mr. Morf’s passing, I mentioned that speech to Drew who also said it had deeply resonated with him—no small feat since his was a teen aged brain at the time. Mr. Morf had the ability to elevate the mundane to a higher level. It was an analogy, as I learned about his life, that he did over and over. Lifting and elevating situations to a higher level
Through reading the tribute to Mr. Morf from the GCRF, I learned about his many years of advising the Foundation. I was pleased to find we shared a tangential relationship with Mr. Bill Quarton, who was a mentor to me as I worked to establish the service learning and volunteer program at Marion High School.
I watched the celebration of life for Mr. Morf and was inspired by both what was shared and the witness to an extraordinary and exemplary life. My deepest sympathy at your loss , but as with that speech 20 or so years ago; his legacy lives on to inspire. With warm regards Jill Olsen.
Jill Olsen
August 3, 2025
Memory Eternal.
Dennis Siamis
July 27, 2025
To Mrs. Morf and Darrel's family:
So sorry to hear of Darrel's passing. I last saw him in the fall of 2024 at one of the tailgaters preceding U of I football games at the U of I College of Law in Iowa City. I seem to recall meeting you, Mrs. Morf, on one of those occasions. I believe you were with Carolyn Santi whose husband, Rick Santi, was Darrel's close friend and law school classmate, as you well know. Rick was a law clerk to my dad, William C. Hanson. A few years ago, Rick introduced me to Darrel at one of those tailgaters and he immediately impressed me with his friendliness and good humor. I made it a point from that occasion on to say hello to him whenever I ran into him and I always got a real kick out of visiting with him--just a great guy who undoubtedly will be greatly missed by all who knew him. I feel VERY fortunate to have become acquainted with him. Ironic that he passed so soon after the passing of his good friend, Rick. But maybe fitting as well, huh...? Hopefully, they are are somehow now reunited...and this time, for eternity. Hang in there. As they say, time heals all.
Bob Hanson
Robert Hanson
July 26, 2025
A great man and a great attorney. I will miss seeing Darrel's joyful smile around the office.
Drew Powell
July 25, 2025
My sympathies to the family. I knew Darrel when I worked at Merchants National Bank years ago in the Trust Division. Darrel's office was in the bank. I dealt with him and Beahl Perrine occasionally, as a representative of the bank working with the Hall Foundation. Darrel was one of the most gentlemanly guys I knew, certainly a blessing to many. Jim Fine
Jim Fine
July 25, 2025
I met Darrel in the fall of 1968 during my first year in law school and Darrel's senior year. Darrel was a distinguished student who moved on to a distinguished legal career. Carol, our kids and I had the pleasure of friendship with the Morf family for over 50 years as residents of Mount Vernon I had the great pleasure of presiding over cases Darrel brought before the Court. His work was always among the very best and his integrity was exceeded by no one. For all of his professional skill and ethical foundation, Darrel was a person who put everyone at ease and always included humor in his communications. Think of a positive characteristic and it applied to Darrel. A man who will be missed.
denver dillard
July 25, 2025
Darrel was a legal representive for me for some farm estate planning. He was the best. He listened thoughtfully, gave straight forward advice and created superb documents. He assisted me through some big changes in my life. I will forever be grateful. My sympathy to his family. He will be missed to both personally and professionally.
Carol Lakin-Vecellio
July 23, 2025
Dear Middie, Dano, and the rest of the wonderful Morf family, Ken and I were so sad to hear of Darrel's passing. We always enjoyed his company so much at family gatherings. And we enjoyed your hospitality in your home. We loved his Christmas card greetings and stories about the prairie and his beloved family. Our deepest sympathies to all of you - you (and we) were so blessed to know such a wonderful man! God Bless!
Bea and Ken Miller
July 18, 2025
Darrell was very nice to me. I appreciated that, I truly did, and I appreciated his competence and efficiency in the legal work he did on my behalf.
Jeff Davis
July 17, 2025
I am sad to learn of Darrel's passing. We talked in his office awhile back and he shared his difficult Journey with cancer in his usual direct way. We learned that we were at Iowa at that same time when we were fortunate to become clients for our trust and farm business. There is no finer person from a client's perspective., I cherish both the informal and formal conversations we had over the past 25+ years of client services. My sisters, Judy Carlson and Nancy Abney, join me in expressing our sympathy to Darrel's family and colleagues.
Steve Schomberg
July 16, 2025
Middle and the entire Morf family, I want to express my most sincere sympathy to each of you for your loss of your husband, father, grandfather. He truly will be missed by each of you in many different ways.
I first met Darrel decades ago our Cedar Rapids Estate Planning Council meetings. He was often a speaker at these meetings and a major contributor in do many ways, Darrel was easy to be around, a great conversationalist with an friendly smile. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss a one great person, a great lawyer, one who gave to his community in so many different ways, he will be forever remembered and I will truly miss him at our meetings. May the good Lord welcome him home, RIP Darrel. Sending Blessings to the Morf family.
Frank Kintzle
Frank Kintzle
July 15, 2025
We were saddened to learn of Darrel’s passing. He was a trusted advisor and friend for many many years. Mary Jane very much enjoyed the discussions about their shared Norwegian heritage. He will be deeply missed by all.
The Barlow Family
July 15, 2025
Middie and family, your loss is surely overwhelming and the community's loss also runs deep. Ron and I knew Darrel socially and I am lucky enough to have known him as a fellow board member of the Catherine McAuley Center. Darrel was wise and thoughtful, always mixing in his sense of humor. A favorite memory is his story about running out of fuel oil during a family member's visit.... Ron and I have the greatest respect for the many positive impacts he made in our community. Our hearts are with you all.
Sue and Ron Olson
July 14, 2025
We were saddened to learn of Darrel’s passing. He was a trusted advisor and friend for many many years. Mary Jane very much enjoyed the discussions about their shared Norwegian heritage. He will be deeply missed by all.
The Barlow Family
July 14, 2025
We are so sorry to learn Darrel has passed away. He was an outstanding gentleman, an engaging optimist and a person who could light up a room with his joy, integrity and intellect. We hope that the beautiful family will find comfort in their faith, each other and their wonderful memories.
Julianne and Marty Smith
July 14, 2025
I was very saddened to hear of Mr. Morf’s death. He had a great professional reputation and was truly a very nice man! To his family please accept my deepest sympathy.
John Wollner
July 14, 2025
The Carmichael Family was saddened to learn of your loss of such a loved one. We send our sincere condolences, prayers and love to your fine family.
JUDY CARMICHAEL
July 14, 2025
Our condolences to the Morf family on Darrel’s passing. He was a true friend and worked with us for many years. We will miss his laugh, sense of humor and professionalism.
Jim and Sharon Altorfer
July 13, 2025
Darrel was my friend. We worked together professionally, and with Rotary. I had the opportunity to have his excellent counsel on several issues. He was always a gentleman with a high regard for the development of the human mind and spirit. He was a credit to his profession. I celebrate his life. He leaves a worthy legacy. We are all better because he was here.
William C. Jacobson Retired Educator
William Jacobson
July 13, 2025
An icon! Devoted to his faith, family, the law, and his community. Thank you for a life well-lived, Smiles will follow memories...
Tom and Jane Saxen
July 13, 2025
I asked Darrel to be my attorney and from that moment forward he became my friend.
Henry Franklin ("Lin") Kemp
July 13, 2025
I was sorry to learn of Darrel’s passing. I had the privilege of working with him for over 30 years. He was a very kind, patient and thoughtful person. He will be missed many people.
Susan Jahnke
July 13, 2025
I was saddened to learn of Darrel's death. He was a friend of all people and spent a lifetime working to make ours a better world. Rich Patterson
Rich Patterson
July 13, 2025
My condolences on your loss. My husband, Tom, had great respect for Darrel. I remember him as always being friendly and upbeat.
Wilkinson Alice
July 13, 2025
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Darrel. I worked with Darrel for 38 years at the law firm and he was a joy to be around! He always greeted everybody as he walked into the office each morning with “greetings” and a big smile! He will be truly missed, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Audra McEnany
July 13, 2025
The Carmichael Family was saddened to learn of your loss of such a loved one. We send our sincere condolences, prayers and love to your fine family.
JUDY CARMICHAEL
July 13, 2025
It was an honor to work at the law firm with Darrel for the last 7 years. His integrity, humility, and kindness are an example to be followed. My thoughts are with his family.
Wendi Scheer
July 12, 2025
Darrel made a big difference in many lives! He will be missed and he will be remembered!
Thomas Taber
July 12, 2025
So sorry ! A true gentleman and scholar
Gene and Sally Kopecky
July 12, 2025