Craig Morrison to celebrate 100th birthday

By Nate Troy
Sports Editor
 
CRESCO - Craig Morrison of Cresco will have the opportunity on Aug. 20 at Evans Memorial Home to celebrate a milestone not many people reach - turning 100 years old.
Craig and his wife, Florence (Flossie), who celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary on Dec. 17, 2019, have lived in Cresco since 1959. At the present time, they are both living at Evans Memorial Home in Cresco.
The youngest of three brothers, Craig grew up on a dairy farm in Keosauqua, Iowa. From 1937 to 1939, he worked at a local creamery where his older brothers had worked previously. In Sept. 1939, he enrolled at Iowa State University to study dairy industry and economics and also went into the ROTC. 
After he married Flossie on Dec. 17, 1942, he enlisted in the Army, field artillery and light aviation in 1943. Craig and Flossie moved around the country fre- quently based on his military obligations. During World War II, Craig fought in Germany, France and England. 
Following the war, Craig and Flossie returned to Keosauqua where he served as assistant manager of the cooperative.
In 1959, the couple moved to Cresco when Craig became general manager of the Farmers Cooperative Creamery Association, where he worked for 20 years. Craig also served on the school board, spent 18 years on the Area Education Agency and 30 years on the Airport Commission. He is also a former president of the Cresco Kiwanis Club.
Craig and Flossie raised four children: Tom (deceased), Susan, Patricia and Mary. The Morrisons also have seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
His advice for living long is simple.
“You do what is in you, you hang in there and you make the best of the decisions that you have made,” Morrison said. “We have a great life and a great family. You need to have a good foundation like that. Because of that foundation, I was able to handle situations such fighting in World War II.
“I’ve been very fortunate with the choices I’ve made. I have a great wife and family to support me. Life has given me more than I’ve expected. You always hope for the best but you take what you can get and do what you think is right,” Morrison said.
While he said it’s important to always do your best, he noted that life is unpredictable.
“Sometimes nature throws you a curve, but you learn to deal with those unexpected things,” Morrison said. “We’ve lived in Cresco for more than 60 years and we’ve received great help and support from this community.
“Flossie has contributed very strongly to my life and our family. I give her a lot of credit. We have both been interested in participating in the community through work and volunteering. We hope that we’ve contributed a lot to Cresco. This is a great place to raise a family.
“We’ve both been fortunate and worked through some tough times, but then who hasn’t. You always do the best you can,” Morrison said.

Cresco Times

Phone: 563-547-3601
Fax: 563-547-4602

Address:
Cresco TPD
214 N. Elm Street
Cresco, IA 52136

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