Joseph "Joe" Morris

Joseph “Joe” L. Morris, 83, of Machesney Park passed away Friday, September 10, 2021, in his home.  Born September 13, 1937, in Rockford, the son of Joseph E. and Rosella C. (Knapp) Morris.  Attended St. Thomas High School and graduated from Harlem High School.  Married Louise Berneal Botsford on March 3, 1962, in Loves Park.  Previously employed by Barnes Drill and Twin Disc.  Retired from Ekstrom Carlson.  Joe also owned and operated an engineering firm, Accurate Engineering, out of his home.  Member of St. Bridget Catholic Church.  Joe was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing and belonged to many conservation groups, including Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, NRA, and the Arbor Day Foundation.  Joe relished the wildlife around his home.  He cared for the raccoons, birds, squirrels and his favorite, the foxes.  He also enjoyed gardening, lawn work and fixing and tinkering with things around his home.  Survivors include his children, William “Bill” (Joy) Morris of Hoffman Estates, Barbara (Greg) Woodson of Rockford, Elizabeth “Betsy” Pfluger of Brodhead, WI, and Rebecca Martin of Rockford; grandchildren, Eric Woodson, Jacob Woodson, and Sarah Pfluger; sister, Mary (Robert “Bob”) Krupp of Holmes Beach, FL; nephew, Justin “Jay” (Beth) Krupp of Portsmouth, NH; niece, Bridget Querrard of Holmes Beach, FL; great-nephew, Francis “Frank” Krupp; great-niece, Heidi Querrard; numerous cousins in the Rockford, Las Vegas and Ottawa areas; lifelong friend, Paul Struven; and close friend, Ray Olson.  Predeceased by his parents; wife; son-in-law, David Pfluger; close friends, Bill Bomp, Richard “Big Dick” Grigalauski, Carl Nelson, Nick Liakouras, Bill Deltuva, Terry Pierce, Dave Kilmer, and David “Abe” Lyons.

Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 21, 2021, in St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Ave., Loves Park.  Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery.  Visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, September 20, 2021, in Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park, with Rosary recited at 8 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to Northern Illinois Hospice.  Visit delehantyfh.com.