Shirley Morse

July 11, 1918 - April 20, 2008
SOUTH BEND - Mrs. Shirley Krueger Morse (Edward), 89, formerly of McKinley Avenue, died Sunday in Regency Place. She was secretary and co-founder of Morse Electric Company along with her husband, Edward Morse, who preceded her in death on May 25, 1981. Mrs. Morse was born July 11, 1918, at the home of her grandparents, Sam and Dora Engel in South Bend. Her parents were Jeannette and Myers Krueger of Michigan City, IN, where she grew up. She attended Elston High School in Michigan City and graduated in 1936, attended Indiana University in Bloomington, and was graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1941 with a B.S. degree in education, speech and journalism. On August 3, 1940, she married Edward Morse in Madison, WI. Their first home was in Gary, Indiana, where Mr. Morse worked at the American Bridge Co. throughout World War II. Their son, Brett, was born on October 12, 1942, in Gary, and was killed in a plane crash with his son, Daniel, in New York state in 1987. In 1945 they moved to South Bend and lived with her uncle, Jacob Engle. Surviving children are Toni (Bruce) McDougal of Granger and Jane (Kevin) Morse-Uppstrom of Middletown, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Dr. Grant (Monika) McDougal, Ryan McDougal, Jennifer Alford, Ariel Uppstrom, Kaitlin Uppstrom, Lisa Morse and Shellie (Robert) Hjellum. Her sister, Fern Tolchinsky of Whiting, IN, preceded her in death in 1974, and a brother, Marvin Krueger, also died in 1981. Active in volunteer services and organizations, she became president of B'nai B'rith Women locally and statewide, and she was on the district board as well. She served on the boards of Temple Beth-El and Temple Sisterhood, Hadassah, Saint Joseph's Regional Medical Center Auxiliary, Auxiliary at Healthwin Hospital, the Single's Civitan, and the Michiana Jewish History Society. As a member of other organizations, she was always actively involved at the Mental Health Association, South Bend Art League, Snite Museum Friends, and served as tour guide for the Chamber of Commerce and Temple Beth-El. She directed plays and skits and dancing for school projects, Temple Beth-El Follies, and youth group skits. In 1982 she was named Woman of the Year for the Temple Beth-El Sisterhood. She served as house chair and Mazon chair for the Temple. She attended classes at Indiana University South Bend and Forever Learning. In 1987 her Civitan group voted her Civitan of the Year. In 1988 she was honored as the Outstanding B'nai B'rith Woman of the local chapter and Volunteer of the Year for BBW of the Land of Lakes Region. Services will be held at 2:30 p.m. today in McGann Hay Granger Chapel, 13260 SR 23 (enter off Cherry Road). Burial will be at St. Joseph Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made in Shirley's name to Temple Beth-El. To send condolences to the family and for directions to the funeral home, go to www.mcgannhay.com.