Gene Elmer Morische

Gene Elmer Morische 96, of rural Osage, died Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage. Gene Morische was born November 12, 1927, in rural Osage to Elmer and Stella (Decker) Morische. He had a sister, Ruby and a brother, Alan. They later moved to a farm north of Rudd where he attended and graduated from Orchard/Osage High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served two years in the Korean War. On March 19, 1951, he married Lea Stinehart, and they welcomed a son, Gary and a daughter, Penny to their family. Gene farmed north of Nora Springs, raising cattle as well as crops. After 45 years of marriage, Lea passed away in April 1996. Gene married Millie Muller McPhail on November 24, 2001, and welcomed her children to the family. Millie passed away in May 2014. Gene was a faithful member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church southwest of Osage. He participated in the Men’s Club and was a member of the American Legion. He had many hobbies including woodworking, bowling, playing cribbage, golfing, and shooting pool. He enjoyed traveling and loved to read, especially westerns. Gene was an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins and the Green Bay Packers. He was a very educated individual right up to his passing. Gene is survived by his son, Gary Morische, Osage; grandchildren, Steven (Kristy) Morische and Alesha (Tanner) Cox; stepchildren, Jeanne Bruggeman, Brian (Carrie) McPhail, and Jay (Natalie) McPhail; and many other stepgrandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Penny; first wife, Lea Morische; second wife, Millie McPhail-Morische; sister, Ruby; and brother, Alan. Gene was a devout Christian man who spent his time and lived his life as a witness to many proclaiming his faith in Jesus Christ. Blessed be his memory. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 17, 2024, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1921 317th St, Osage, IA 50461, with Pastor Byron Northwick officiating. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery, Osage. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Champion Funeral Home of Osage is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.schroederfuneralhomes.com.