Richard “Bill” Danforth Morgan, age 75, passed away December 13, 2017, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born on May 17, 1942, the son of Wilbur and Margaret (Jornstad) Morgan. On October 27, 1989, Bill was united in marriage to Diane Alberston. Upon graduation from high school, Bill enlisted in the United States Armed Forces as a member of the Army. He was selected to become trained and educated in unconventional warfare as a member of the Green Berets Special Forces. Bill served the United States as a symbol of excellence, a badge of valor, and a mark of distinguished honor in the fight for American freedom.

Bill loved to experience life on the edge; his ridiculously entertaining lifestyle never ceased to amaze (or concern) his family and friends. Although Bill neglected to receive an aviation license, he took pleasure in flying helicopters and other small planes. He also loved to craft models of aircraft and various cars. Bill loved to do any form of handiwork and was overjoyed to perform his own home maintenance and lawn care. He proudly worked at the Hudson Hospital as a maintenance engineer for 23 years until his retirement in 2007. The only thing Bill loved more than his labor-intensive achievements was his family; he appreciated every moment spent with his wife, children and grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his wife of 37 years, Diane; children, Ron (Connie) Hill, Tracy (Michael Englund) Frye, Bridgett Blesi, Heidi Bendickson, Angie Morgan, and Kelly Morgan; 19 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; siblings, Katherine Marshall, Robert (Bonnie) Morgan, and Rose Goldstein; as well as numerous extended family members and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joan Smith; and daughter, Tammy Lynette.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4-7 PM on Friday, December 22, 2017, at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson. Memorials preferred to the discretion of the family.