Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Joseph Morgan Obituary
Urbandale
Joe Morgan, 82, passed away on Thursday, August 24, with his family at his side. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at McLaren's Chapel with a Celebration of Life service at 6 p.m.
Joe was born on January 23, 1935 in Colfax, IA to Charlie and Ruth (Melberg) Morgan. Many of the qualities that Joe would carry with him throughout his life came from being born and raised on the farm. Although he would go on to leave the farm life, Joe was always a farm kid at heart.
After graduating from Colfax High School in 1953, Joe worked for a few years before enlisting in the Army, where he was stationed in Washington State for two years. After being discharged from the Army, Joe attended the University of Iowa, beginning his lifelong devotion to the Hawkeyes.
After graduation from the University of Iowa in 1962, Joe began working at American Republic Insurance Company in Des Moines, Iowa, where he worked for his entire career, retiring as a Vice President in 2000.
Joe met his wife, Judy, at American Republic, and the two were married in 1973.
Joe was devoted to his family, always putting their activities and needs first and rarely missing any of his kids' many volleyball, softball, baseball, basketball or soccer games, often volunteering to help in any way he could.
Along with his family and his beloved Hawkeyes, Joe's overwhelming passion was fishing. Whether with his buddies or alone, chasing largemouth bass in Missouri, northern pike in Canada, and everything in between, Joe was happiest on the water with a fishing pole in his hand.
Joe will be remembered for his selfless, humble, and gentle nature.
Joe is survived by his wife Judy; daughter Kim (Ray) Metz of Urbandale; son Kevin (Jaime) of Urbandale; and five grandchildren, Nathan, Gabby, Charlie, Will, and Ellie. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Iowa Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association or Spurgeon Manor in Dallas Center.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Morgan
Sponsored by McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary & Resthaven Cemetery.
4 Entries
September 5, 2017
Sorry to hear about Joe,He has been a good friend for many years. Bob Conn
Nancy Sharr
September 4, 2017
Judy and family, we were so very sorry to hear of Joe's passing. Our heartfelt thoughts, hugs and sympathies to you during this difficult time. Nancy and Ed Sharr
August 31, 2017
We send our deepest sympathy to Judy and family. Remembering many happy times at American Republic. Diane and Scot Powell
August 30, 2017
On behalf of the family of Jack and Margy Hering (daughters Diane, and Barb), we are thinking of Joe's entire family and send our sincere condolences. Joe was a terrific guy..
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Joseph Morgan's name
Memorial Events
for Joseph Morgan
Sep
5
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary & Resthaven Cemetery801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Sep
5
Celebration of Life
6:00 p.m.
McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary & Resthaven Cemetery801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Funeral services provided by:
McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary & Resthaven Cemetery801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
How to support Joseph's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Joseph Morgan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
