Msgr. John Weldon Morgan

October 22nd, 1932 - August 16th, 2020

Monsignor John W. Morgan, a beloved priest who served the church in Idaho for more than 60 years, passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020. At the time of his death, he was a resident of The Bridge at Valley View. Monsignor Morgan was born Oct. 22, 1932, in Pocatello to Weldon and Frances Maly Morgan. He spent his childhood years in the small town of Inkom, near Pocatello, where he attended grade school. After his father died, Frances married Louis D. Yates and the family moved to Nampa. Monsignor Morgan briefly attended St. Paul’s Catholic School before beginning his studies at Mt. Angel Seminary in Oregon. After graduation, he continued his studies at St. Edward’s Seminary in Seattle. He was ordained as a priest on May 25, 1958, by Diocese of Boise Bishop James J. Byrne. He was assistant pastor at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist (1958) and at St. Alphonsus, Wallace (1958-63). His first pastorate was at St. Michael’s in Mullan from 1963 to 1966. While in Mullan, he worked to establish a mission church in Avery. His later pastorates were at St. Hubert’s in Homedale (1966-69); St. Pius X in Coeur d’Alene (1969-74); St. Mary’s in Caldwell (1974-84); St. Mary’s in Boise (1984-95); and Our Lady of the Snows, Sun Valley, (1995-2007). While serving in Sun Valley, he was also the administrator for St. Charles Borromeo in Hailey. In 2008, Pope Benedict XVI named him a “Prelate of Honor to His Holiness.” It was at this time that he was given the title, “Monsignor.” His fellow priests accorded him great respect, electing him dean of the West Central Region for 20 years (1975-95), dean of the Southern Region in 1995-96, and chairman of the Presbyteral Council for many years. He was known throughout the diocese as a hard-working priest. Even after retiring, he helped the church he loved in whatever capacity he could. He continued to help the diocesan tribunal with marriage cases from 1970 through 2018. When he wasn’t caring for the sick or celebrating Mass, Monsignor Morgan enjoyed the great Idaho outdoors fishing, hunting, prospecting for gold and flying planes. After retiring in 2007, Monsignor John moved to Boise to be near his sister, Francie. He spent the last few years at Garnet Place Senior Living before relocating to The Bridge in July. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Weldon and Frances; stepfather, Louis; sisters: Ann Morgan Young, Johnna Morgan Schmidt, Louise Yates Heckenkamp, Marguerite Yates Spiker, Sr. Mary Cornelia Yates, Kay Yates Berg, Ruth Yates Dodge, and Uva Yates Morris; and his brother, Edward Morgan. He is survived by his sister, Francie (Chuck) Link; sister-in-law, Linda Morgan; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins and their families. At the request of Monsignor Morgan’s family and due to COVID concerns, there will be a private funeral Mass. The Mass will be livestreamed from St. Mark’s Catholic Community, on Tuesday, August 25th, at 10 a.m. Please visit www.StMarksBoise.org for the livestream. “May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”

We Entrusted Msgr. John Morgan's Care To

Accent Funeral Home

A local landmark in Meridian, Accent Funeral Home has been serving the community since 1986. The business was first established with a vision to offer services in a comfortable, homelike atmosphere. This vision is reflected in our building, a Tudor-style home built in 1938 for a local postman. When remodeling the house to accommodate the funeral home, much care was taken to preserve the original architectural integrity of the building. The Accent Funeral Home holds a special relationship with the Meridian community and is sensitive to the area’s changing needs, providing service and friendship to comfort those we serve.

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Tributes

Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Msgr. John’s life with a heartfelt message.

Sharon Job

He was the most genuine caring person and always found the good in everyone and such a holy man. Although I was never in one of his parishes he was a very good friend. There were 4 of us that were good friends with him and would frequently share dinner with him at one of our homes. When in Caldwell, it must have been for the 20th year of his ordination we all gave him a belt buckle that he wore frequently. There were many trips to Crouch and the Irusta cabin where we all had a great time. On one occasion the "4 friends" were in Reno so Msgr. Morgan (then Father) and Father Dave Riffle joined us and we had a great time laughing, relaxing and having fun. I will always remember him for his love of God and the Church.

Published March 30th, 2024

Mary Bergner

Knowing John Morgan saved my life. All he had to do was be himself. He knew his strengths and failures. He never held anyone to a higher standard than he held for himself. He knew we were all flawed and loveable. I thank God for the blessing that was John Morgan.

Published March 30th, 2024

Pete and Ewa Petroski

We were very sorry to read of Father Morgan's passing. He had married us, and he also baptized our two daughters. We always enjoyed his very thoughtful sermons when he was at St. Mary's. We remember well a wonderful evening talking to him where we invited him to dinner in our home. He was also very welcoming to us when we visited him when he was in Sun Valley. He always had a very positive outlook, and we cannot recall a time when he was ever unkind to anyone. His legacy can only be that he had a very positive effect on so many people with whom he came into contact. Most sincerely, Pete and Ewa Petroski

Published March 30th, 2024

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