Arlen Gene Morris, age 87, of Thief River Falls, Minnesota, passed away leaving behind a legacy of dedication to education, music, and family.

Arlen was born on April 12, 1939, in Jamestown, North Dakota, to Lloyd and Alma Josephine (Hermanson) Morris. He was baptized into the Lutheran faith on May 12, 1946, and confirmed on May 10, 1953, at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tolna, North Dakota.

On May 27, 1978, Arlen married the love of his life, Shirley Ann Knautz, at St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael, North Dakota. Together they built a loving family and were blessed with three children: Kimberly, Michael, and Constance.

Throughout his career, Arlen dedicated himself to education as a teacher in the public school system. Beyond the classroom, he found joy in music, playing the saxophone and performing with a band. He also enjoyed spending time playing cards with family and friends. Arlen was a proud member of the Eagle’s Club in Thief River Falls, Minnesota.

Arlen is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley Morris of Thief River Falls; his children, Kimberly (Troy) Anderson, Michael (Leslie) Morris, and Constance (Terrell) Verdell; and his cherished grandchildren, Kayden Rekow, Keyarah Verdell, Kamiya Verdell, Meah Morris, Greyson Morris, Phoebe Morris, Thorsten Anderson, and Asher Anderson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd Morris and Alma (Thorvald) Halverson.

Arlen will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his commitment to teaching, his love of music, and the many lives he touched throughout the years.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 10, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service on Friday at Johnson Funeral Service.

Burial will follow at St. Bernard’s Catholic Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.