Jeffrey Morris

Jeffrey S. Morris, 66, of Lake Tomahawk, WI died peacefully on November 9, 2018 at home. He is survived by his wife Janet, sons Zachary and Brett, daughters-in-law Camie and Sarah, grandchildren Lincoln and Adelle, brother David (Barbara), and multiple nieces and nephews.

Jeff was born on September 15, 1952 in Rockford, IL, the son of Donald and Lois (Leaf) Morris. He attended Maude Johnson Elementary, Lincoln Middle, and Guilford High Schools in Rockford, IL where he met lifelong friends. He completed a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration at Sioux Falls College and later a Master's degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Cincinnati. At Sioux Falls, he met his wife, Jan (Nielsen). They married shortly after his graduation on June 29, 1974 in Sioux City, Iowa.

Jeff devoted his career to public service. He began as a patrol officer in the Rockford Police Department, where he served for 27 years in many leadership positions, eventually advancing to Deputy Chief of Police. Jeff also had the honor of attending the F.B.I. National Academy for training. In 2004 he accepted the job of Chief of Police in Stevens Point, WI. He eventually assumed the role of City Director of Public Safety before retiring in 2010. He and Jan maintained many close friendships with those they met in Point.

Following retirement, Jeff and Jan moved to the family cabin on Lake Tomahawk where they enjoyed many great times with neighbors and friends. Jeff shared his love for travel and the outdoors with his children and grandchildren. Together they enjoyed many great adventures camping in the Boundary Waters, hiking, fishing, hunting, sailing, and scuba diving. Each winter he and Jan enjoyed spending time on the beaches and golf courses of Florida and the Caribbean.

Jeff was diagnosed with a high-grade glioma in 2017 but did not let the disease prevent him from pursuing his favorite activities with family and friends. He received tremendous care from the dedicated physicians, nurses, and staff at the UW Carbone Cancer Center and at Agrace Hospice.

Jeff was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose memory will be cherished.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 18, 2018 at 1:00 PM at Midvale Community Lutheran Church, 4329 Tokay Blvd, Madison, WI 53711. Visitation will be from 12:30 PM until the time of service at church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to support early-phase clinical trial research at the UW Carbone Cancer Center. https://give.classy.org/jeffreymorris


Cress Center
6021 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705