Verlen L. Morphey, Sr.

Verlen L. Morphey, Sr, age 79, died Monday, June 17, 2024 at his home near Davis Junction. He was born Nov. 18, 1944 in  Monroe Center, IL, the son of Harry and Margaret (Rust) Morphey. Verlen attended Monroe Center Elementary Schools and graduated from Stillman Valley High School in 1962. He served his country in the U.S. Army. Verlen married Joan Davies on Sept. 23, 1967 at the Union Church in Monroe Center, IL. He worked for 42 years in the maintenance department at Rockford Products. He also served 2 terms as Monroe Township Road Commissioner and also served on the Monroe Center Township Board. Verlen was a collector and restorer of old tractors. He would often give exhibitions of his John Deere Corn Sheller. He also would exhibit, with his brother Harry Morphey, their antique engines at the Stillman Valley Fall Festival. Verlen was a social person who loved to strike up a conversation with whomever he met. He also loved to be in his woodshop working on projects or tending to his vegetables in his garden. He was able to fix anything that need fixing. Verlen was predeceased by his parents Harry and Margaret Morphey, his brother Harry Morphey, Jr, his sister Lucille Pickle, and his niece Denise Dornback. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Joan Morphey of Davis Junction; his daughter Jacalyn Smith of Crown Point, Indiana; his son Verlen (Melissa) Morphey, Jr. of Stillman Valley, IL; 2 grandsons Ryan and Harrison Morphey (Lauren Lyons); and nieces Heide (Curtis) Johnson and Kim (Art) Hopman. A family graveside service will be held 10:00 AM, Saturday, June 29, 2024 at the Monroe Center Cemetery with Rev. Bob Mellon officiating. At Verlen’s request, there is no visitation. A memorial fund is established in his name and may be directed to his family for the Stillman Valley Fire Protection District and the Ogle County Sheriff’s Dept. 

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