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In memory of

Richard "Rick" L. Morlan

Des Moines, IA

December 16, 1953 - April 1, 2021

Dec 16, 1953 - Apr 1, 2021

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Richard “Rick” Morlan passed away April 1st, 2021 at home; surrounded by those who loved him most of all. The man who was known for his quick one-liners, sarcastic comments, and wicked sense of humor passed away on April Fools Day; although the pain of losing Rick seems insurmountable, the date is fitting.
Rick was born in Des Moines, Iowa on December 16, 1953 to Richard “Dick” and Mamie Morlan. He was a lifelong South-Sider. Rick graduated from Lincoln High School in 1972. He was a proud member of the Teamsters Union Local 238, since 1973, and the union steward for 25 years; working hard and effectively to negotiate fair contracts for his coworkers at Lennox. He was also a self-proclaimed member of the southside peace and love counterculture movement. Rick was a lifelong and avid fan of The New York Yankees, The Iowa Hawkeyes, The Green Bay Packers, Classic Rock and Blues music, and fishing. Rick was beloved for his kind presence and the way that he could put others at ease.
Left to carry on his legacy of love and laughter include his wife of 35 years, Teresa Morlan; son, Luke (Kerry) Morlan; daughter, Vanessa (Craig) Scott; step-son, Paul (Brittney) Nagla; grandchildren, Adam, Addeline, Truman, Cameron, Cayden, and Brooklyn; sister, Viki Collings; nephew, Andrew (Ashley) Collings; niece, Cindy (David) Nielsen; six great nephews and nieces (soon to be seven); many cousins; and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Mamie Morlan; brothers-in-law, Patrick Collings and Stephen Martin; and his granddaughter, Grace Morlan.
Rick leaves behind many lessons of how to pursue a life well lived: take the fishing trip, hug those you love, crank up the tunes, go to the concert, be a loyal friend, love fiercely, attend the game, fight for workers’ rights, believe in social justice, and never ever pass up the opportunity to make a well timed inappropriate one-liner.
A Celebration of Life will be held May 22 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at his residence 2611 Stanton Ave in Des Moines.

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