"I was his primary care patient for many years and I am so sad to learn of this today. He was a wonderful doctor. Open minded, compassionate, and kind. Truly the best."
In loving memory of
Dr. John Ford Morrison, MD
January 2, 1947 - December 6, 2021
Dr. John Ford Morrison MD, 74, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away at his home on December 6, 2021. John was born in Des Moines, Iowa on January 2, 1947 to parents Hugh Pritchard and Velma (Ford) Morrison and was the youngest of four siblings. The family moved to Princeton, Illinois where he graduated high school. Growing up in rural Illinois he learned to love exploring the outdoors working in the cornfields, searching for arrowheads, and hunting at the Princeton duck club with his father.
He was an athlete, joining the basketball and track team and held a school record in hurdles for several decades. He also developed a passion for science exploring the night sky with a telescope and launching rockets with the Princeton Amateur rocketeers.
John went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Illinois- Urbana Champaign and graduated from the University of Iowa College of Medicine in 1973 with his medical degree. He then completed his training at Ramsey Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota and residency in the specialty of internal medicine at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
John moved his family to Bemidji, Minnesota in 1977 and joined a busy rural medical practice at the Bemidji clinic. He enjoyed the outdoors of northern Minnesota and proudly served the Bemidji area where he was respected by his peers and loved by his patients. After 20 years he moved to Rochester MN and started work at the Mayo Clinic in 1998 in the Department of Cardiovascular Diseases. In 2013, he retired from Mayo with emeritus status.
John married Susan E. Cable on June 6, 2009 in Rochester, MN and together they enjoyed many travels and adventures together. He was passionate about hunting and fishing trips with his family, friends, and beloved dog Maddie. Later in life he took up woodworking and built a workshop in his basement. John had a reputation for being a savant at medical diagnosis, kept up his knowledge reading medical journals, and authored several publications. Whether in bedside manner as a physician or with family and friends, he carried himself in a humble and unpretentious manner, adored for his laughter and self-deprecating humor. He was loved by many and will be dearly missed.
John is survived by his loving wife, Susan E. Morrison of Rochester, MN; his children, John (Carrie Scherer) Morrison of Duluth, MN, Hugh (Mila Ilina) Morrison of Boulder, CO, Kathleen Morrison of Rochester, MN, William (Jessica Brettin) Morrison of Rochester, MN, and Kelly (Omar) Ramos-Flores of Minneapolis, MN, Tina (Nou) Xiong of Andover, MN, Naja (Chase) Hill-Bloomquist of Los Angeles, CA, Alfred Eze-Cable of Washington D.C.; and several grandchildren; siblings, Mary Anderson of Bloomington, IL and Sarah (Doug) Criner of Princeton, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Hugh Morrison.
A memorial service and celebration of John's life is planned for some time in 2022.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Morrison family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"So sorry to hear about Dr. Morrison passing away. Dr. Morrison was a great physician and I had the privilege of working for him as his Receptionist for two years. I shed many tears when Dr Morrison went to Mayo Clinic. I will always remember Dr. Morrison and again I as sorry for your loss. Sherri Dick "
"A favorite friend to our family. John was always kind, considerate and concerned about whatever was on our mind or in our hearts. Plus he was fun and had a heartwarming smile as you captured in this photo. A great doctor too...the list goes on. He lives on in all you kids, cherish his memory."
"I went to Kindergarten with John and we ended up graduating from the University of Illinois together (actually lived on the same floor in the dorm). We were good friends right up until the end. I could tell something was not the same at our 45th class reunion. Everyone wanted to be his friend because good looking , smart, athletic, and easy going. We really got to know each other through our love of building amateur rockets. These were not kits, we made everything including the rocket propellant. When I had cancer he helped me get right into Mayo for a second opinion. They said I had 3-5 years. That was 22 years ago. I guess even they can make a mistake. Bye old friend. Jeff Monroe"
"Dr Morrison was my physician and he was smart, kind, and caring. So very sorry for his loss. Barbara Clemens"
"Our relationship with Dr. Morrison began in 1977 when he diagnosed Joy?s thyroid problem and referred her to Grand Forks for treatment. A few years later he solved my issues with high cholesterol and triglycerides. When he moved to Rochester and Mayo Clinic we continued with annual visits to see him every year until his retirement. Mayo is still our primary and as always provides outstanding care, however, we have missed John. I remember our long conversations during office visits about Bemidji, traveling and hunting. Sometimes these conversations will last over an hour! What a great man and wonderful physician! God bless Dr. Morrison! Joy and Jim Wheeler, Bemidji"
"Dr. Johnson was a physician I worked with while in CV at Mayo, and my husband saw him over the years as a patient. The two got along real well when talking about hunting and fishing, and I always appreciated spending time with him in the office. He was friendly, genuine, and a great person to support. This is sad news. RIP, JFM."
"Although John and I were colleagues at the Bemidji clinic, I remember him best for afternoons out hunting or canoeing. He was a superlative internist, and he will be missed. Natalie Roholt"
"Our sincere sympathy to the family of John. He was a great Doctor,neighbor and friend. Our thoughts and prayers for all of you. Paul and Diane Eggebraaten "
"My heart is so sad to read of Johns passing. Not only was he our families doctor but I worked with him for years in Bemidji. I had so much respect and awe for him. He taught me much! After his move to Rochester I always stopped to visit him when I was in town and we would talk and laugh about so many things..my deepest sympathies go out to his family.. He certainly will not be forgotten.."
"Dr. Morrison was my father's "heart doctor" for a number of years. Mom and dad greatly appreciated him, as did I. He had a very special talent and was very good communicating with his patients and their family. We missed him when he moved to Rochester. Our thoughts are with you, his family. God bless."
"My sweet love--your loving wife, Susan"