John Morrison of Austin, Minnesota, died peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, surrounded by his family.

John was born in Osage, Iowa, to Mitchell and Maxine (Stockdale) Morrison on Nov. 1, 1947. He worked for Hormel Foods for 34 years and concurrently for the Local 9 union as business agent for 17 years. After retiring from Hormel, he was a realtor for Fuhrman Real Estate until he became ill. He married Mary Geannakouri on April 12, 1969. They lived in Austin and raised two children. John was always proud of his family.

John had a wide range of interests and hobbies. In high school, he wrestled and managed the varsity baseball team. As an adult, he played, coached, and refereed hockey. One of his proudest achievements was officiating World Junior Hockey Tournaments in 1981 (Germany) and 1982 (Canada). He also loved hunting, trap-shooting, golf, broom ball, softball, and was a great pool player. He enjoyed fly fishing for trout in southeastern Minnesota and especially looked forward to an annual fall fishing trip to Manitoba with family and friends. He loved bird watching and holds the record for the most species recorded in Mower County at 267. He was a very good all-around photographer but especially loved taking pictures of birds.

John was very outgoing and had a great sense of humor. He was a wonderful friend and was always willing to help anyone in need.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mitchell and Maxine Morrison; brother, Michael; and brothers-in-law, Reed Avram and Ron Thompson.

John is survived by his wife, Mary Morrison, Austin; sons, Jeff (Amy) Morrison, Austin, and Jamie (Laura) Morrison, Austin; grandchildren, Cade, Benjamin, and Brianna; brother, Mitch (Connie) Morrison; sisters,  Sharon Avram, Janice (Dean) Pike and Michelle (Cory) Arjes; sister-in-law, Patty Morrison; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3, at the Holiday Inn. Visitation will be for one hour before the service.

Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.