"A lovely video for a lovely woman. "Mother Morz" was definitely one of my favorite people while I was growing up... she was welcoming and warm, had a beautiful smile and a loving spirit. My heart breaks for all of you "Morz kids" as it's so hard to lose a parent... and especially that last one... but I know in my heart she is happy and delighting people in heaven. Hugs to all of you."
In loving memory of
Velma K. Morz
May 6, 1923 - April 12, 2019
A funeral service for Velma K. Morz will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, April 22, 2019 at the First Presbyterian Church, Algona. Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at First Presbyterian Church, Algona.
In lieu of flowers, please designate your memorial to a music scholarship in Velma's name.
Velma was born into a loving family on May 6, 1923, the 5th of five children. Her parents, John and Alta (Evans) Nelson, were 2nd generation Danish immigrants who were dairy farmers in Clearwater, KS, outside Wichita. Her early years formed the foundation for her trust in God's plan for her life, devotion to family, the value of education,and appreciation for music. She liked to think of her 95 years of life in three parts: youth, marriage and family, and teaching (for over 50 years).
Velma's youth was a whirlwind of farm chores (washing milk bottles), family gatherings, and church activities. She took piano lessons from a young age, and was always involved in music clubs and choirs. Being a part of a successful farming family largely protected her from the ravages of the 30's. She was 18 when the US entered WWII so for college, chose the security of Friends University in Wichita rather than Julliard. She and her friends did their best to have fun during those years! After graduating, she taught at Friends and played for church services at a Presbyterian church where the Morz family attended.
Walt and Velma were married in 1948. In retrospect, the next 45 years passed incredibly quickly, filled with church activities and raising five children. Walt and Velma served in three communities, where Velma continued her commitment to music education. Walt died in 1989 and for the next 30 years, Velma enjoyed teaching, traveling, friends, and family.
Velma was gentle and unassuming. She cared greatly that everyone around her would feel loved and know God's love. Her prayer each morning was: Breathe on me breath of God, Fill me with life anew, That I might love what you do love, And do what you would do.
Velma's five children, her five added-on children, her 11 grandchildren, her five added-on grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, along with many friends, will miss her greatly. She is now living eternally with her parents and siblings, her husband, a great-grand-daughter, and many friends and extended family members.
We will miss her greatly.
Kathryn and David Gerber of Luverne, IA, have three children: Claire (and David Brock), Anne (and Charlie Rohwer), and Aaron (and Laura Upham in July 2019). They have five grandchildren, Lucy and Max, Oliver, Violet, and Eli.
Karl and Jean Morz of Ames, IA, have two children: Janel (and Jason Hubbard) and Lauren (and Paul Knosby). They have three grandchildren, Jamison, Presley, and Tatum.
Marlene and Ron Hadduck of Portland, OR, have two children: Alex and Spencer. They have three grandchildren, River (d), Vivienne, and Asher.
Mary and Lynn Burns of Kiron, IA, have two children: Heidi (and Dan Hall), and Brandon. They have two grandchildren, Garrett and Elizabeth.
Tim and Mary Lou Morz of Algona, IA, have two children: Hannah and Sam.
Tributes
"Dear Morz Family
We are sorry for your loss. Velma was a sweet, gentle soul dedicated to sharing her gifts of joyful music and light. Our deepest sympathies. "
"Dear Morz Family I can count on one hand the number of times I encountered Aunt Velma, but I have clear memory of a sweet, gentle soul dedicated to a life of service. I know you will miss her. With deepest condolences."
"Thank you God For Velma. Thank you for the loveliness that she sprinkled in this world.Thank you for the richness of her life and for the legacy that she leaves behind. Beth Lane ??"
"Hello Morz Family, I am sorry to hear of your loss. Velma was such a sweet woman. I'll never forget when she rode with my daughters, mother and I to Colorado one year on our way to one of the many reunions. She was a joy! Singing with my daughters, telling stories and generally adding to the upbeat atmosphere in our car. Kim Glathar"
"Hello Morz Family, My prayers for you at this time in the loss of one sweet lady and mother. You folks were blessed that God gave her to you for all these years. "
"My heart reaches out to all of you. Velma was such a lovely, loving, and kind person, a role model for all of us. Marcia Soldat"
"Mrs. Morz was such a lovely and kind lady, mother, and community member. The world has lost a bright and beautiful light in her passing. My heart goes out to the Morz kids and their families. God bless you. "
"She was my piano teacher and I remember all those weeks my brother and I would go to her house for lessons. She was encouraging and so loved teaching people about what she was passionate about. Sweet lady that will be dearly missed!"
"I remember when I was in elementary and middle school and we would go to her house once a week for piano lessons! Learning piano helped me and my grandma to become really close and lessons with Velma were always great! Such a sweet lady that will truly be missed. "
"Velma and I would meet once a month at the beautician?s salon! We had no problem discussing our families! Great fun! Velma was delightful, kind and mild spoken! God bless the family.....you have so many marvelous memories,"
"My condolences to the Morz family. Velma was my piano teacher and she was always a joy to learn under. "
"So very sorry. Velma was a wonderful lady and a fabulous piano teacher, so patient and kind. She touched many lives. Martin and Kris Peterson "
"Loved her as my piano teacher. ?"
"What a wonderful, winderful lady !!! I have such fond memories of her --my sympathy to the entire Morz Family --"
"Our sympathy to the Morz family on the loss of your Mother. May God Bless you all and comfort you in this difficult time."
"What a huge loss! I remember Velma as a gentle and unassuming woman of remarkable dignity and humor. She lived a life of love; I hope that provides comfort in your sorrow. Jenny Roeber Douville"
"Velma was a wonderful person and awesome piano teacher who touched the lives of many students. She was a dear friend and will be missed very much. Dave and Vicky Rich"
"I remember my first conversation with Velma. It was December 2006 when Carson was in first grade and was asking if he could take piano lessons. When I asked if he was too young or when was a good age, she emphatically replied, ?Well, if he?s interested, then now is the time!? and that is when his love for music ensued. I looked forward to our weekly visits when I would take Carson for his lessons and when we left, I felt as though we had both learned something. We last saw Velma in December and she was as delightful as I had always remembered; her soul still as sweet. Our deepest sympathies to the Gerber and Morz family. She will be missed. The Simpsons~Barry, Stacy, Carson & Kyle "
"Prayer for Velma and family"
"Oh , I am so sad. Velma was one of my favorite people. I'm happy for her, though, to be going home. Kathy, you and your family are in my prayers. You all were blessed to have such a treasure in your lives - as were all who knew her. Molly MacDonald"