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Lloyd Morris Obituary
Mike graduated from Belvidere High School in 1955 and continued his education at Northern Illinois University, where he earned his undergraduate degree. He went on to achieve his Ph.D. from the University of Utah, marking the beginning of a distinguished career in academia. Mike was a long-time professor in the Health and Physical Education Departments at Idaho State University, where he devoted 30 years to mentoring and inspiring countless students. Upon their retirement, Mike and Mary split their time between Idaho and AZ, eventually settling in Sun City West.
An avid outdoorsman and adventurer, Mike's hobbies reflected his love for nature and exploration. As a young man, he enjoyed hunting and backpacking, and later in life, he took up golfing and flying, which brought him immense joy and a sense of freedom.
Mike is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Mary, who was the love of his life and steadfast partner through every chapter of their journey together. He also leaves behind four children: Andy (Michele) and their children Amanda, Courtney, and Matt; Pete (Kiki) and their children Ben, Brad, and Sydney; Joe (Janet) and their children Ryan, Abbey, Scott, and Sam; and Shelli (Greg) and their son Chris. Mike was preceded in death by his beloved grandson Kevin, whose memory remained close to his heart.
Mike's legacy is one of kindness, intellect, and unwavering dedication to his family and community. He will be remembered for his quick wit, warm smile, and the profound impact he had on the lives of those who knew him.
A Funeral Mass will be held December 11th at 1 p.m. at St Joseph's church in Pocatello. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the American Cancer Society or Idaho State University.
Mike's family would like to thank everyone who has reached out with love and support during this time. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lloyd Morris
Gary Tirone
September 8, 2025
Dear Mary and family, I´m so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Morris. He was such a cog in the arc of my career in education, both as a professional and his modeling of kindness to all around him. Your family´s graciousness is fondly remembered as well. We traveled to Pocatello from Boston with 2 young children and had to connect to all phases of the university and community while settling into a graduate program and assistantship. Inviting all of us into your home for Thanksgiving provided a feeling of home and still makes its way into our Thanksgiving celebrations today. He certainly had a life well lived and may he continue to rest in peace.
Tom Bonerbo
June 27, 2025
I had Dr. Morris as my advisor and was a grad assistant in the program at ISU and he was as good a person as any I've ever worked with. I'm so sorry to have lost touch with him and see of his passing. May you rest in peace and know yours was a life well lived, full of masterful service to others! Blessings!
John Lawrence
March 25, 2025
Dr Morris was a great classroon teacher as well. I had him in 2 Sociality classes at BHS in 1968 and 1969. He made learning fun.
Jack Garrett
March 4, 2025
Dear Mary, Andy, Peter, Joe, and Shellie, I´m so sorry to learn of Mike´s passing. He was always one of my favorites and I´m so thankful that our paths crossed at Northwest Missouri State where I had an opportunity to wrestle for Mike. Later I enjoyed the experience of serving as a graduate assistant for Dr. Morris in the physical education activity program at Idaho State and working with Babe Caccia in the ISU wrestling program. As I look in retrospect at my career in education, coaching, and athletic administration I simply have to give a tip of my hat to Mike for his outstanding tutelage and mentorship. His support and encouragement along the way helped more than he probably knew and I will be forever grateful for that. He was a good man. I hope your fond memories of Mike will sustain you in the days ahead and that you will find the kind of peace that transcends all understanding.
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Jim and Georgia Girvan
February 10, 2025
Georgia and I were saddened to learn of Mike's death. He and Mary provided a welcoming presence when we moved to Pocatello and ISU. During my (Jim's) tenure at ISU, Mike was a mentor, an outstanding teacher and leader, and a role model for extending classroom learning into the community and around the state. Jim recalls many trips by car and in his airplane traveling to destinations around Idaho to deliver classes or in-service programs to classroom teachers, administrators, and community leaders.
We hold Mary, Andy, Pete, Joe, Shelli and their families in our thoughts for comfort and peace.
God's blessings,
Richard Hetland
January 5, 2025
I´ll be forever indebted to Coach Morris! It was his suggestion to return to Belvidere High School, and under his guidance and direction, to eventually become the head wrestling coach at BHS. His guidance and patience were instrumental in my success coaching. As an athlete at BHS, coach Morris, coach McKenna, and head coach Stan Patrick also guided me to a love for playing
football. One a lighter note, "toilet papering" his house was always a challenge. He would try to catch me and my cohorts, but without any success. HOWEVER, he knew I was the instigator, and I payed for it in calisthenics the next day at practice. He will always have a special place in my heart for Coach Mike. Rest in peace, coach!
Tom Wright
December 13, 2024
May he rest in piece. He challenged us on the field, on the mat and during our walk at Belvidere High School. He gave us a hand as we ventured on as teenagers and towards adulthood. He helped me pivot and sent me on my way. As many I know will say, we thank him for his time and energy it made a difference. May he now rest.
Tom Wright class of 71
Richard Hetland
December 11, 2024
Coach Mike was both my football coach and wrestling coach at BHS. After graduating from Western Illinois University, he convinced me to come back to BHS, where he would be my mentor to be the head wrestling coach. After year under his guidance, I became the head wrestling coach. Coach Morris would move on to get his doctorate degree. His confidence and faith in my ability to coach meant everything to me. As a result of my return to BHS, I was also able to coach football. A dream situation. Eventually, I left Belvidere and coaching, and after 44 years in Minnesota, where I met my wife and raised 3 kids, Bonnie and I moved to Arizona, where we´ve lived the past 8 years. I learned that Coach had settled in a northwest suburb called Surprise. Bonnie and I visited Coach Mike and his lovely life Mary. Seeing and talking with Coach Mike brought back many wonderful memories. We talked about the "good old days" at BHS, much to the boredom of Mary and Bonnie. We met another time years later, with the promise of getting together in the near future . Unfortunately, that didn´t happen before Coach Mike´s passing. (One quick store. While in high school I and some classmates "toilet papered his house." He didn´t catch us that night, but I paid the price in wrestling practice the next day.)
I know Mike and Mary are Christians, and I know the good Lord opened his arms and said to him, "Welcome Mike. Make yourself at home. We always need people of your character here in Paradise! We have your place reserved for you!"
God bless you Coach Mike! You wilt never be forgotten!
Steve Thomas
December 11, 2024
Its a sad time, Mike was an important influence for me first 5as my wrestling coach and friend some 57 years ago while at Belvidere High School. He served as a great example, a gentleman and the lessons learn from Mike have served me well throughout life, you will be missed.
Richard (Dick) Papenfuss, Ph.D., Santa Fe, NM
December 9, 2024
Mary, Andy, Pete, Joe, and Shelly:
We are saddened by Mike's death, but so pleased that we have known all of you for over 50 years! Mike was a devoted friend, and we have many great memories (and laughs) to treasure in our hearts. The best news of his passing is that we all know where he is today --- and he is watching over all of us with great favor! God Bless all of you from Dick and Mary Papenfuss.
Cindy and Gary Kinghorn
December 4, 2024
We are so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was a great man and mentor whose positive influence touched our lives and the lives of so many others! Although he will be truly missed, his legacy lives on in his love of life, many lessons he shared, quick wit, and contagious smile and laughter! Our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt condolences to all the family and friends.
Lisa Doering Higbee
December 3, 2024
I'm so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was such a sweet man. Many years ago, Andy brought me to meet Mike and Mary and they were so incredibly welcoming to me. Actually, the entire family are genuinely great people, which reflects so positively on Mike and Mary as role models. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Blessings
Dr. James `Byrd´ Yizar
December 2, 2024
Dr. Kinnunen shared with me the passing of one of our favorite instructor/advisor from our undergraduate years at ISU. If you took a course from Dr. Morris, you quickly learned to read the assigned articles or textbook because he had a unique way of knowing who didn´t read the assignments and he would call you out. That was his way of teaching us athletes to read and show up prepared to be engaged in topic discussions. Thank you Dr. Morris for all the life lessons you taught beyond the course materials. May God welcome you with open arms and watch over the family and Dr. Morris, just assume that God has read the materials so no need to give him that look.
Val Tisue
December 1, 2024
My memories of Mike are a part of my heart. He was always there, ready to help in any way, a strong, caring soul who would do anything for you and the best neighbor we ever had. He truly was like family. So, as he journeys to his everlasting home, may he hear those beautiful words, "Well done good and faithful servant. Enter into the kingdom I have prepared for you."
Rest in the loving arms of our Lord, dear friend.
Love, Val Tisue.
Bob Peters
December 1, 2024
Met Mike when he first moved to Sun City West. We hit it off from the start. I am a snowbird and I spend time in Sun City West. For a short time that I am here we did things together. He was a great man, and a good friend. Very good friend. Will be missed a lot. Rest in peace my friend.
DK
December 1, 2024
Dr. Morris changed my life... I shall never forget the lessons he taught ... in the classroom and in life
Julie Marley
December 1, 2024
Mike was my instructor at ISU. The topic that day was seat belts. He was so effective that I have never, since that day, gotten in a moving car without putting on a seat belt nor have my children nor my grandchildren. That is 3 generations who are safer because of Mike. I am thankful for him. May God grant you peace until you are reunited with him again.
Bill Caccia
December 1, 2024
What a great man and such a wonderful family! RIP Mr Morris.
David Englund, Belvidere, Illinois
November 30, 2024
As a teacher, coach, and friend, Mike had a profound influence on my life. He saw qualities in me that I didn't know I had and greatly helped me in my journey from my teen years into adulthood.
Angela Luckey
November 30, 2024
So sorry to hear this news. He was a great mentor and example to me. Condolences to the family
Jim Harrell
November 30, 2024
Mike, thank you for being one of he most influential leaders in my young professional career. The Morris family is an awesome family of which I had the privilege to know and work with. My sincerest condolences to the entire family and many friends.
Mary Catherine Hadley
November 30, 2024
Mike, thank you for teaching me to be the best at what ever I do
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