"Our deepest sympathies go out to your family. Al will be missed. It was always a pleasure to sit and talk with him at my dad's museum. May God bless your family in this difficult time. Eric, Chelsey, and Natalie"
In loving memory of
Alton F. Morken
August 17, 1928 - July 15, 2008
RUSHFORD, MINN. - Alton F. "Al" Morken, 79, Rushford, died on Tuesday, July 15, 2008, at his home.
Alton F. Morken was born on August 17, 1928, in Rushford, Minn. to Eno and Laura (Scheil) Morken. He was raised in Rushford and graduated from Rushford High School in 1946. On December 16, 1950, he married Marlys Glende. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Al worked with his father at E.G. Morken Service and Implement. He acquired the business in the late 1950's, and operated it until he sold it in 1969. Al worked for Sugar Loaf Ford in Winona, Minn., selling cars until his semi-retirement in 1986. He worked at Dahl's Auto Works in Rushford until he fully retired in 1993.
Serving his local community was of great importance to Al. He was a member of Rushford Lutheran Church, where he served two terms and was President for one year, President of the Rushford Area Business Association for two years, member of the Rushford Lion's Club for thirty years, and served as president in 1961, Root River Trail Town's Organizational Committee for fifteen years of which he was president for two years, the Fillmore County Retarded Citizen's Association during the 1960's, where he was President for four years, the Rushford Business Development Organization Board for fifteen years, Rushford Historical Society President for fifteen years, Rushford American Legion and V.F.W. , Rushford Fire Department for sixteen years, four years in the Rushford City Council, serving two terms as Mayor, and Al was honored to be named as Mr. Rushford in 2005.
Al enjoyed antiquing, collectable cars, spending summers boating and camping at Bass Camp, and spending time with his family, especially taking country drives with his grandchildren.
Al is survived by his wife, Marlys; three sons: John (Dianne) Morken of Rushford, Paul Morken of Spring Grove, Minn., and Bruce (Traci) Morken of Winona, Minn.; one daughter, Marsha (Kevin) Mehus of Winona, Minn.; ten grandchildren: Melissa, John Paul, Katie, Michael, Laura, Christine, Mallory, Sam, Brooke, and Kelsey; six great-grandchildren: Ashley, Cael, Kadence, Brady, Micah, and Carson; and by two sisters: Lois (Chuck) Houge of Northfield, Minn., and Beth (Conway) Elton of Winona, Minn.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and one son, Bill.
There will be a memorial service for Al at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 18, at Rushford Lutheran Church with the Rev. Roger Michaelson officiating. Burial will be in the Rushford Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at Hoff Funeral Homes - Rushford Chapel.
Al's family prefers memorials to be directed to Winona Area Hospice or to the American Red Cross.
Please feel free to sign Al's online guest book and leave a memory of him at www.hofffuneral.com
Tributes
"Al went beyond serving Rushford. He also joined with local officials throughout the eight county area of southeast Minnesota in a regional league to work with all of our communities. It was my pleasure to get to know him as a fellow local official. He was such a gentleman. Blessings to your family. He is missed. "
"Please accept our condolences and know our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will miss seeing Al at auctions."
"Dear Morken family....we are truly sorry for your loss...it is never easy, no matter how prepared. It is a great loss. Hold tight to your memories, as these are what will pull you through, these very hard days ahead. Stay strong, as a family...God will guide you through this...keep your faith and let Him lead the way. I know the exact position you are in, as I had lost my Dad, just 3 months ago...it is the hardest thing I have had to endure, yet...but, time will surely heal the strong pain you have right now...but you will never forget or yearn to have him there to talk to or hug. We are deeply sorry....take care and may God Bless you through this & always.....~The Bambenek's"
"Thanks for the memories, we will always have those and there are so many. There wasn't a family ours wanted to spend time with more than Al and Marly's. Fun was always the outcome in those days we spent together, back when we played sun up to sundown and never tired. I do think our dad's had as much fun as we did, our mom's had fun too, between all the work involved! The endless fun continues for our dad's in a new place with brothers who share this perfect place with them. God bless them and you as we all remember and continue our own journeys. Our love to you, the Overland's - Ellen, Pam, Dave, and Lori "
"Uncle Al always made me feel special. When I was little I was sure I was his "favorite!" He would take me for rides and let me sing all my lovely 1st songs. Who knows how many times he listened to me sing "B-I-N-G-O!" When I grew up and had kids of my own, he still had a hug and a smile for me. Thanks for the memories Uncle Al, I have always loved you! Carol"
"Marlys and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of Al. What a family friend he has been to the Highums and Anderson's for many years. We rejoice in the legacy that AL has left behind- many earthly great deeds have been successfully accomplished by him. Well done - thou good and faithful servant.Peace to you in your time of sorrow . Sue and Mike Anderson"
"Both Nicole and I are truly saddened by you're loss and please know that you have our deepest sympathies. Sincerely Steve, and Nicole Denzer."