David Morken, 90 of Thief River Falls, MN passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at the Thief River Care Center with his loving family by his side.

The service to celebrate David's life will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, December 22, 2022 at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls with Rev. Mark Helgeland officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

David was born on July 7, 1932 in Pekin, North Dakota to Carl and Anna (Tangen) Morken. He was baptized into Christ on August 7, 1932 at the Pekin Evangelical Lutheran Church. On June 7, 1973 David was united in marriage to Mary Schenkey.

When David was 5 years old, his family moved to Grand Forks, but still maintained a strong attachment to Pekin over the years. His mother recognized his aptitude for music, and he began piano lessons at the age of 9. David graduated from Central High School in 1950. While attending the University of North Dakota, he joined the Army Reserve Unit and was called into active duty. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955, spending most of his term in Frankfurt, Germany as a chapel organist. Following his military service, he graduated from UND with a major in music in 1957. He received a Master's degree in music from Indiana University in 1959.

David began his teaching career in vocal music in Fargo and then Grafton, ND, before moving to Thief River Falls in 1966. He taught vocal music at Lincoln High School for 20 years and directed many memorable high school musicals. Early in his career, he attended Broadway musicals in New York City to help hone his skills as a director. In 1986 he shifted his teaching to elementary music, where he immersed himself in what felt like a new career. He was also a vocal soloist, directed various church choirs and served as church organist for several congregations. He retired in 1997.

David considered Lutheran theology his avocation. Attending theological conferences, ongoing dialogues via conference calls with theologians/friends, and Biblical studies were a vital part of his Christian life.

David was a loving husband and father and delighted in spending time with his family. He was known for his quick wit, humor, authenticity, and strong convictions. He had a gregarious nature and loved connecting with friends but also valued time for quiet reflection. David embraced his Norwegian heritage and enjoyed traveling to visit his children, experimenting with a new recipe, and taking in the beauty of the natural world.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mary; daughter, Ingrid Morken, Oakland, CA; daughter, Lydia Morken (Peter Krinke), Twin Cities; son, Alex Morken (Abby DenUyl), Portland, OR; grandson Cameron Krinke; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ralph Morken; brother, Harding Morken; sister, Margaret Ellertson; and brother, Carl Morken.