MOUNT MORRIS – Morris R. Pieper, 96, of Mount Morris, died Thursday, May 11, 2017, at Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home in Mount Morris.

Morris was born July 8, 1920, at home on the family farm, west of Mount Morris, the son of Henry and Cora (Rebman) Pieper. He attended first- through eighth-grade at Maple Grove Country School, where he was fortunate enough to have a pony, “Ned,” to ride to school instead of walking. He graduated with the Class of 1938 from Mount Morris High School. Morris married Elaine Roe of Whitewater, Wisconsin, on March 17, 1956. She preceded him in death in 1998.

Morris started his farming career at age 3, helping his mother bring the cows in from the pasture to be milked; and began helping with the milking by age 6. Morris farmed his entire career in the Mount Morris area, raising grain and livestock. In the mid-80s he semi-retired, and moved to town. After moving to town, he devoted his time to his passion of rose gardening, but still remained active and involved in managing the farm.

Morris was a member of Prairie Rose Society, Mount Morris Men’s Garden Club, Ogle County Farm Bureau, and Evangelical Free Church of Mount Morris.

Morris is survived by children, Jan (Jim Barbeauld) Bradley of Henderson, Nevada, Robert Pieper of Mount Morris, and John (Mary) Pieper of Rock City; grandchildren, Michael Fortner of Houston, Phillip (Megann) Pieper of Davis, and Hannah (Jesse) Hansen of Freeport; and great-grandchildren, John Phillip Pieper and Lucas Lee Jansen.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt St., Mount Morris. The funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Mount Morris Evangelical Free Church, with Pastor Bruce McKanna and Pastor Larry Jameson officiating. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Mount Morris.

A special thank you to Ann and Dwight Page and Denise Welsh, for their dedication and loving care of Morris for many years.

Memorials to Mount Morris Senior Center.