Morris E. “Morrie” Naumann
December 20, 1940 – December 9, 2020
Morris Edward Naumann was born December 20, 1940 in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota to Justus and Pearl Naumann. He grew up on a farm in Sauk Center and later moved to St. Paul.
Morris enlisted in the United States Navy and served from 1962-1966. He later earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Mankato State College and a Master of Science in Computer Science from the University of Missouri-Rolla.
Morris married his bride Maryann Opitz in Omaha Nebraska in 1972.
Morris was known for his work ethic, which started early with a paper route and led to 37 years of service at Northern Natural Gas Company. In retirement he dedicated himself to gardening and service at the Hope Community Garden as a Master Gardener with the Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy County. Morris was an active board member of his Tiburon Neighborhood Association. He served as an Ambassador with the Omaha Performing Arts. He also enjoyed golfing (four holes in one!), bowling, and spending time with family at their lakeside cabin. Morris treasured time with his grandchildren by sharing his love for gardening and woodworking. They spent many hours planting seeds, picking berries, and crafting bird houses, bee hotels and pinewood derby cars together.
Morris was preceded in death by his parents, Justus and Pearl Naumann; and his brothers, J. David Naumann and Chuck Naumann. He is survived by his wife, Maryann; daughter, Marie (Todd Malone); son, Alan Naumann; and daughter, Katie (John Wang); along with three grandchildren: Gwen, Ian, and Graham. He is also survived by brothers: Dan, Paul, and Bruce Naumann; and sisters: Marie (Rich) Schreiber, Judith LaFleur, and Nancy (Tom) Benser.
The family wishes to thank all of the doctors and medical staff who provided such skilled and loving care for Morris over the past few years at Nebraska Cancer Center.
Graveside Services with military honors will be held on Monday, December 14, 2020 at 10 a.m. at the Omaha National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials suggested to charity of your choice.
To view a live broadcast of the Graveside Service, go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button on the homepage.
20 Comments
Morrie was a kind and gentle soul in our garden community. We will miss him greatly.
Mary Ann, my most heartfelt sympathy for you and your family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers as will Morrie. May he Rest In Peace.
Morrie and Marryann were close friends to us and co-worker at Northern. He was one of the true “good”: guys. I can only remember seeing him mad once in all those years and that was on a golf course when a player behind us hit our cart with a ball. He yelled a couple of words that I will not say here and was a little embarrassed when he complained in the club house only to find out the golfer was a priest. He was proud of his holes in one playing golf, one of which I was lucky to get to witness. He will be greatly missed by all of his family, co-workers and friends. .
Many times our paths as master gardeners passed with Morrie’s great advice willing to share his wealth of knowledge or a kind word to put a smile on my face. I’ll hold Morrie’s family in my heart & prayers at this time for our great loss knowing he cared for many of us over the years. Kathy Jeffers
Maryann, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rick & Melody
What a blessing it has been…meeting and getting to know fellow master gardener Morrie through the HOPE Garden. Morrie had a wonderful attention-to-detail, which helped guide the garden to success every year. He always took the time to teach and share his knowledge and skills with patience and kindness, and ALWAYS with his wonderful smile and sense of humor. I miss him already, but pray he is at peace and that the family will be deeply comforted with a lifetime of wonderful memories. With heartfelt sympathy…Linda Oliver
To Morrie; a fellow Master Gardener and good friend ~ Godspeed. Morrie and I were on several committees together. Morrie was always the calm voice and always seemed to come up with the best solution, He was dedicated to gardening and to the Master Gardener program. I will miss him and his kind ways. My sympathies to Mary Ann and his family. May he rest in peace. Sincerely, Joyce Stranglen
Morrie was a great friend and a special Extension Master Gardener. I have very few close friends but I don consider Morrie one of them. Mary Ann if there is anything I can do for you please give me a call. Morrie will no longer be in any pain and I will remember him for the rest of my life. Jim
I worked with Morrie for 30 years at Northern. He was one of the smartest and best “go-to” guys to get things done. I always enjoyed chatting with him at the Omaha Symphony where he was an ambassador too. But I will always remember Morrie most of all or the fun we had at our regular poker nights. He was one of the best poker players I ever met, and a really fun friend to play with. He will always be “Four Aces” in my heart! I will miss him sorely.
For several years I’ve known Morrie as a fellow master gardener. I’ve always enjoyed talking to him during Training Sessions. He was respected by all and will be sorely missed
Thoughts & prayers with Morrie’s Family at this trying time.
Harlie Fogle
Morrie & I were interns together in the 2008 Master Gardner class. He was a wise, intelligent, mild mannered man with a warm smile. I always thought he should be teaching the classes. His gentle sprit will always be present in the Hope Garden where he spent so much of his time. I know the angels are surrounding you with amazement as you garden now in heaven. My condolences to your family in the loss of this great man.
MaryAnn I wish I had know Morrie was ill so I could have told him how much I appreciated his sweet disposition during meetings though never a doubt where he stood. Always first to volunteer. What a role model! Thanks for sharing him.
Blessings and wonderful memories to your family.. Ann
Maryann and family, I am sorry for your loss. I will always remember Morrie as a true gentleman. May you find consolation in your memories.
I served with Morrie on the Board of Directors for Sanitary Improvement District 192 (Tiburon South & Estates). Morrie was a great neighbor and friend, giving freely of his time and many talents. I will miss his wit and wisdom. Rest in Pease my friend.
Morrie will always be remembered for his bright smile and willingness to help all. He freely shared his knowledge of gardening with all of his fellow Master Gardeners. We were blessed to have him among us. May Peace and Grace surround his family.
As a fellow Northern Natiral Gas employee, I knew Morrie well. After his retirement, I occasionally hired him as a temporary employee for various projects. I will remember his positive attitude and always friendly personality. My deepest condolences to his family.
Whenever we plant our canna lilies at the library, church and homeI I think of Morrie because that is where they originally came from. He was always so generous with plants and advice for all of us. We will miss his eagerness to help and cheer us on.
He was so great to work with as one of our volunteers at the Extension office. He will always be remembered.
Morrie is and was the kindest of people, working successfully with a wide array of Master Gardeners and inspiring them to become successful volunteers themselves. It was an honor to know and work with him. Our condolences.
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