Odin Morken

Odin “Red” Morken passed away on July 22, 2020 at Mala Strana Rehabilitation Center in New Prague, MN at the age of 83. Red was born March 7, 1937 in Ulen, MN.  His parents Odd and Katherine Morken raised their family on the farm in Ulen before moving to Frazee, MN in the early 1950’s.  He attended Frazee High School and graduated in 1955.  While in high school Red joined the Army Reserves and served 8 years in addition to serving in the Army where he trained to be an electrician from 1956-1958.  Following discharge, he began work as a brakeman and conductor for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad.

While working on the railroad he met Geraldine “Jean” Cesafsky.  They were married in 1969 in Lexington, MN.  He had a passion for sports throughout his life, especially basketball, and enjoyed being a basketball coach at Holy Redeemer School in Montgomery, MN for a number of years.  In 1999 after 40 years of hard work, he retired from the railroad. He then leaned heavily into his role as a grandfather. He could always be seen on the sidelines of his grandchildren’s baseball, basketball, football, and soccer games, and at band concerts and scout ceremonies.

In 2005 he returned to the Frazee area where he enjoyed his years of retirement; hunting, ice fishing, woodworking and keeping up with his family.  Red also became an active member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Frazee, volunteering his time where needed.  He continued to be an avid follower of sports, especially the Minnesota Gophers, Twins and Vikings. Throughout his lifetime he attended over 50 Minnesota State High School Boys Basketball tournaments, and was a longtime supporter of Frazee High School sports.

He is loved and deeply missed by his son, Mark (Tamie) Morken; grandchildren, Kylie and Adam; nieces, Robin (Danni) Dees, Dawn Agar, Jill (David) Nugent; great-nephew, Jack Nugent; his Cesafsky relatives as well as many other relatives and friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lowell Morken; sister, Kathleen Morken-Henry; and former wife, Jean Morken.  He deeply loved and took pride in his family, passions and faith. His grandchildren and loved ones shared the same immense affection for their “Grandpa Red”.

Red and his family would like to express deep gratitude to the healthcare workers at Mankato hospital; nurse Erin Eccles, all staff at Mala Strana Rehabilitation Center and Moments Hospice; nurse Shelly, who provided support, comfort and care during his final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).

-Obituary submitted by the family

Memorial service will be held 11:00am, Friday, August 20, 2021 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Frazee with visitation 1-hour prior.

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