Myles Peter Morley, age 82 of Mahnomen, MN, passed away Thursday, August 9, 2012 at his home with his family around him and under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Pete was born December 14, 1929 in Redwood Falls, MN, to Augustine and Lauretta (Amberg) Morley. He grew up in the Redwood Falls area and graduated with the class of 1947. Following high school, Pete entered the United States Air Force and proudly served his country until April of 1960. During this time, he traveled all over the United States and the world. In the early 1960's, Pete moved to the Detroit Lakes, MN, area working as a construction foreman on the St. Mary's Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes, MN. On June 1, 1964 Myles was united in marriage to Janice Smith. He continued to work for various construction companies before starting his own company in the Detroit Lakes area. In the late 1980's, Pete moved to Moorhead, MN, to work on the Fargo Dome from start to finish. After completion of the Fargo Dome, he moved back to Detroit Lakes and began working at the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen. He retired in 2003 and has made his home in Mahnomen since 1995.

Pete is survived by his wife of 48 years, Janice, Mahnomen; six children: John (Myrna) Smith of Callaway, MN, Cheri Smith (Danny Stevens) of Ulen, MN, Brian Smith, Lori Morley, Michael (Robin) Morley all of Mahnomen, and Lisa (Micky) Denenny of Ulen; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, Bud Morley; a sister, Kathy (Richard) Repstein both of Rapid City, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Josh Morley, daughter-in-law, Kristi Morley; brother, Michael Morley and sister and brother-in-law, Mildred and Vernon Hopman.

Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at 11 am at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen. Officiating was Father Tony Fernando with Diane Spaeth serving as pianist. Cantors were Kristi Jo Bement & Jennifer Kahlbaugh. Military honors were provided by Mahnomen American Legion Isaacson-Bjorge Post #31 and MNARNG Honor Guard. Pallbearers were Jeremy Smith, Jeffrey Denenny, Brian Smith Jr., Chris Desjarlais, James Longfield Jr. Gordon Belgarde Shawn Denenny, and Donny Merrill Jr. Honorary pallbearers were all of Pete's grandchildren and great-grandchildren and Myrna Smith, Robin Morley, Vicki Smith, and Mick Denenny. A visitation was held on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 from 5 to 7 pm with a prayer service at 6:30.


Interment was at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery in Mahnomen, Minnesota.