Adams 1946 William Morse

Dec. 14, 1928 - Feb. 11, 2017

Condolences

SOUTH BEND - William “Bill” Morse, 88, passed away on February 11, 2017, in his Southside home.

Bill was born in South Bend to Clifford Morse and Chrystal (Marsh) Morse on December 14, 1928. He graduated from Adams High School in 1946 and went on to study at The American Academy of Art in Chicago and Manchester College. Shortly after graduation, Bill married the love of his life, Clara “Clair” Burget on October 4, 1950, in South Bend, where they settled and raised a family of four children along with many beloved animals.

Professionally, Bill spent a short time at the Studebaker automobile plant in the spray paint department before realizing his true calling in advertising. He started with the South Bend Tribune in January 1953 on their Advertising Sales team until 1968, when the need for a layout and copy department became imminent. Bill became that department and continued there until his early retirement in December 1991. Known by his colleague's as “Advertising's Rembrandt”, his artistic talents in great design, layout, and copywriting will always be remembered.

In his retirement years, Bill enjoyed many passions including stained glass, fishing (especially ice fishing), the arts, his pets, his grandchildren, music, and comedy. Those who knew him will remember his quick wit, jovial sense of humor and ability to tell a good joke on demand.

Bill is preceded in death by his wife Clair, his mother Chrystal and father Clifford. Bill is survived by his four children, Lyn (Rick) Kazmierzak, Dana (Anne Madden) Morse, Diane Morse, and Dave (Vivianne) Morse, along with six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, who brought him smiles and immense joy.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2017, at 11:00 am at McGann Hay Funeral Home, located at 2313 E. Edison Road. Friends and family may call at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Bill Morse may be donated to Hospice, Pet Refuge, Inc., or South Bend Animal Care and Control. To send condolences to the family log on to: wee.McGannHay.com.

Published in South Bend Tribune on Feb. 14, 2017

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