Morris Werdal, 95, of Fergus Falls, died Sunday, July 2, 2017, at his home
Morris Arthur Werdal was born November 6, 1921 in Chosan, China to missionary parents Marius and Marie Werdal. At six years of age, the family furloughed to the USA, settling in a small farm in Ferndale, Washington. He remained there throughout his high school years.
In 1941 he entered Seattle Pacific College. He married Marion Kivley from Ferndale, Washington in 1943, and graduated with a B.A. degree in 1945. For two years he served as Pastor in the Lutheran Brethren Church in Ballard, Washington, then entered the Lutheran Brethren Seminary in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Upon graduating he responded to a call from our church in Staten Island, New York. He and Marion began the study of the Chinese language in preparation for missionary work in China.
In 1948 the Communists closed the doors to China. In 1949 the Werdal's sailed to Japan to open work there for the Church of the Lutheran Brethren. After thirteen years of service in Japan, Morris served as Pastor in Fullerton, California, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, then again served Rock of Ages in Seattle, Washington. He also served as Chairman for "Italy for Christ" for several years. He finished his full time Pastoral ministry by returning to serve the second time in our church in Fullerton, California. While serving in Eau Claire and Fullerton, God blessed the congregations by enabling them to build new and larger church buildings to further their growth.
Upon retiring at age 73, he served as Intern Pastor in seven different congregations. For the last number of years they lived in retirement in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. God blessed him with good health, enabling him to teach Bible classes and some preaching on into his ninety second year.
He is survived by his wife, Marion, by two sons, Ron (New Mexico), Jon (Oregon), and four daughters, Melodee (Fergus Falls), Mary Ann (Wisconsin), Jewel (Colorado), and Delight (Fergus Falls), by 17 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren.
He was proceeded in death by his Parents, by four Brothers, his Sister, and two children, David who lived for five days, and Kent, who lived for eight months. Both died in Japan.
"The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised"
In lieu of flowers, Morris' family prefers memorials to the Lutheran Brethren Japanese Mission
Funeral Services: 11 AM, Friday, July 7, 2017, at Bethel Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls
Visitation: 5-7 PM, Thursday, at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls, with a prayer service at 6:30 - and one hour prior to the service at the church
Clergy: Rev. David Foss and Rev. Paul Larsen
Burial: Ferndale, Washington
Morris Werdal Video Tribute
Morris' Memorial Folder