Michael D. Morgan

October 27, 1941 - December 30, 2021

Mike began his life journey on Oct 27, 1941 in Swayzee, Indiana. He and his younger brother, David, grew up on their Homestead farm where their early upbringing developed their values and character. After completing his formal education at Butler University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the University of Illinois, Mike accepted a teaching position at the University of Wisconsin-Marinette Campus. After one year he and his wife, Gloria, moved to Green Bay where he taught at UWGB from 1968-2005. During that interim Mike taught classes in plant ecology, environmental science, and Introduction to Human Biology. With his fellow colleagues he also co-authored student textbooks on Introduction to Environmental Science, various meteorology textbooks, and a textbook on weather and people. These textbooks were adopted by colleges all over the country. He recognized and enjoyed the value and benefit of working with others for the benefit of all. Mike was an activist with a deep desire to help students see the impact we have on the environment through our actions and our inactions. His purpose was to encourage individual responsibility to take care of what we have for the overall health of society, for the sustainability of our planet, and for the enjoyment of all of us. His strong beliefs had led him to support the Green Bay Botanical Garden, the Northeast Wisconsin Land Trust, Baird Creek Preservation Foundation, the local Bay Area Daylily Club, as well as a student scholarship at UWGB. Mike also felt compelled to learn more himself through readings and field research. His focus was on endangered plants - discovering the relationship between their environment and their sustainability. His projects led him to study the dwarf iris found here in Wisconsin as well as an endangered sedge found in New Zealand. On his sabbatical in New Zealand he worked with a colleague at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch. During that period of time he and Gloria developed close relationships among several families whom they met through the church they attended. Mike always felt God had showered him with blessings - dear faithful friends, wonderful colleagues who worked well together, and the opportunity to share his knowledge and give encouragement to his students. He was also very thankful for the total support of his parents, Ruth and Lewis Morgan. He looked forward to our visits and fun times with his younger brother and sister-in-law, David and Mary Morgan, Swayzee, Indiana and family. Finally in his heart there was always a treasured place for his daughter, Michelle, his son-in-law David, and his granddaughter, Morgan from Aurora, Colorado. Tayte Hannawald (Sheridan, WY) also enjoyed the experiences shared together. Of course there was also his wife of 55 years, Gloria, who would occasionally remind him that she would always love him and he’d BETTER NEVER forget it. Visitation is scheduled for February 18th from 5-7 at Malcore Funeral Homes-East. The church service will be held at Our Saviour Lutheran Church on Saturday, February 19th at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held at church from 10:30 a.m until the time of the service. Out of respect and concern for others we ask that masks be worn during our time together. More information on Mike and the role he and his colleagues had in developing the science programs at UWGB can be found on the website “Green Bay Campus Mourns the Passing of Prof. Michael Morgan”. Within the article there is a link to an interview that gives insight on how it all started.