Lavonne "Betty" J. Morse

Lavonne J. “Betty” Morse, 90, formerly of Mason City, Iowa died Wednesday, August 30, 2017 in Lincolnshire, Illinois. A memorial gathering will be held Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 11:00 at the First Congregational Church, Orchard IA. Following the service, inurnment will take place in the Orchard Cemetery. A light luncheon will be served at the American Legion Hall, Orchard following the committal. Memorials may be directed to the First Congregational Church, Orchard, Iowa; First Congregational Church, Clear Lake, or the Lavonne Morse Foundation.

Betty was born February 13, 1927 in rural Osage, Iowa the daughter of Roy and Mabel (Olson) Funk. She graduated from Osage High School and went on to the University of Iowa where she met her future husband, Keith A. Morse. Married in September 4, 1949 in Osage, they moved to Cedar Rapids and then Mason City.

Betty gave many years of service to the community and was known for her concern and generosity to others. Betty not only taught in the Mason City School junior and senior high schools, she mentored and took personal interest in her students’ success. She enjoyed volunteering at the Mason City Community Kitchen, and was ‘Grandma’ to an extended family of relatives and neighbors. Betty was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Mason City, The First Congregational Church, Clear Lake, and PEO Chapter KW.

Betty is survived by 2 sons, Craig (Kathie) Morse of Hawthorn Woods, Illinois and Jeff (Maryann) Morse of Libertyville, Illinois; 4 grandchildren, Christine (Erick) Weeg, Michael Morse, Matthew (Rachel) Morse and Michele Morse; 2 great grandchildren, Aune and Henrick Weeg.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband Keith in 2015; and 2 brothers, Keith and Laverne.