Calvin (Cally) Densmore Morgan of Sparta passed away May 6, 2013 at home on his beloved family farm surrounded by loved ones. He had struggled for many years with COPD.
Calvin was born April 2, 1926 to Clifford and Selma (Halliger) Morgan. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth (Bette) Hebbe on May 18th of 1946. Even after those many years together, he still said “Hi Beautiful”. Together they raised four children on their dairy farm in Big Creek. They were active members in the Big Creek Methodist Church until it closed its doors.
Cally grew up and farmed in Big Creek his entire life until his retirement. A voracious reader, he kept up to date on farm technology throughout the years. He was active in the agricultural community serving on the Board of Directors for the Sparta Co-op Exchange and he also received recognition for years of dedicated service to the Sparta Co-op Oil and Gas Co.
Cally had many interests in life, but first and foremost was his family. He adored his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved all animals, but was particularly passionate about horses. He was a cowboy at heart, and in his younger years he competed in local rodeos. He loved to entertain folks with his rope twirling and delighted generations of children with with his rope tricks. After he retired, Bette taught him how to play the button box accordion, and they became a two person band. For six years they played monthly for the residents of Rolling Hills and also performed at local events. Cally always loved to dance, and when his declining health made that impossible, playing favorite polkas and waltzes on his button box became a wonderful hobby. He will be remembered for his indomitable spirit. Once, while struggling to get his breath, he was heard to say “You know, I’m luckier than most.” He had an amazing disposition and even when he was very ill, he still had that twinkle in his eye and a funny, sweet wit.
A kind and generous man, Cally was always doing things for other people. He had hoped to continue this mission of giving by donating his body to medical science, but he was unable to do so due to the extent of his illness.
Cally is survived by many people who loved him very much, including Bette; his children Beverly (Sam) Torbert of Mims, Florida, Mary Schmidt of Verona, WI, Clay of Sparta, and Sandy (Mark) Giraud of Sparta; grandchildren Carrie and Chris Torbert, Matt (Kari), B.J., and Mark Schmidt, Tiffany and Felicia Morgan, and Rachelle (Chris) Baumer and Beth (Mitch) Smith. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren. The family of Gary and Sue Corbisier and their children Sarah and Aaron were a “second” family to him and provided tremendous support and comfort.
Cally was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Clifford (Bud) and James.
There will be a Celebration of Life in honor of Calvin later this summer. A notification will be published when the date has been selected. The family requests that anyone who has favorite memories or stories about Cally, send them to Clay at the family farm. We plan to create a memory book in his honor.
Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.