Morris W. Nystrom, 85, of Fergus Falls, MN, died at the Lakewood Hospital in Staples, MN, on July 16, 2016.

Morris William Nystrom, the son of Harold and Elizabeth (Fairbanks) Nystrom, was born on January 29, 1931, at White Earth, MN. He was raised in the White Earth and Mahnomen communities and graduated from Mahnomen High School. On June 22, 1948, Morris enlisted in the United States Navy where he served his country for the next four years. After his honorable discharge, Morris continued his education at Moorhead State College where he received his Bachelor's degree and later his Masters of Education. On June 16, 1956, Morris was united in marriage to Mary Ann Lovin. Over his professional career, Morris was a Principal and Athletic Director in the communities of Christine and Abercrombie, ND, and Plummer and Brooten, MN. While living in Brooten, he also owned the Brooten Breezeway Drive-In Restaurant for over 10 years. After his career in education, Morris owned and operated a successful lawn care company in Fargo, ND, for a number of years. Morris retired in 1993 and most recently had made his home in the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls.

Morris was an avid baseball fan and enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, and going to flea markets. In addition to these activities, he was a member the Gilbert C. Grafton American Legion Post 2 of Fargo, ND.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann of Fargo, ND; five children: Lori (Paul Bala) Nystrom of Chicago, IL, Michael (Jaana) of Stillwater, MN, William (Della) of Dent, MN, Marilyn (Brian) Voss of Hartford, SD, and Eric of Fargo, ND. Morris also leaves behind 15 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; one brother, Harlan of Minneapolis, MN; two sisters, Adrienne Piche of Detroit Lakes, MN and Marilyn Agnew, Mahnomen, MN.

Memorial services were held Tuesday, July 19 ^th at 11:00am in the St. Michael's Catholic Church, Mahnomen. A time of gathering was held one hour before the service. Fr. David Super was the officiant. The song leader was Dave Kochmann and Brenda Sorenson was pianist. The Mahnomen American Legion along with the MN National Guard provided military rites. Burial took place at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery.

The family has asked that Memorials be given the Fargo American Legion. Morris' family would also like to thank all of the nurses and staff at Lakewood Hospital in Staples for the kind and compassionate care that they provided for their dad in his final days. They are forever grateful.