Obituary of Robert H. Morrell

Robert “Bob” H. Morrell Col. Ret., 75, of Boalsburg, died on Wednesday, April 1, 2015, at Juniper Village at Brookline, State College. Born in Orange, NJ, on March 2, 1940, he was the son of Leon and Marian Morrell. He is survived by his wife Carol Etters Morrell and four children, Anna Vander Meer Ellsworth, husband, Jeff, and two grandsons, AJ and Eric, of Raleigh, NC; Zachary van der Meer and wife, Stacey, and two granddaughters Erin and Shannon of Palmyra; Cathy Vander Meer and grandson James, of Mt. Pleasant, SC; Jesse Morrell and wife, Monica, and grandson Brady and granddaughter Taylor of Leesburg, VA; brother, Charles Morrell and wife, Carol, of California; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob graduated from Orange High School, Orange, NJ in 1958 and the University of Richmond with a bachelors in Political Science and as a member of the ROTC program in 1962. After becoming an officer in Army Intelligence he completed his Master’s Degree in Russian Studies and the Russian Language at Marshall University in VA. After two tours in Vietnam, Bob taught ROTC at Penn State University and began an ROTC program at the Penn State Behrend campus in Erie. Following a 23 year career in the United States Army, Bob continued to work an additional 15 years as a government contractor, retiring as Senior Vice President. In 2002, Bob and Carol moved to their piece of farmland in Bellefonte, where Bob began his own consulting business which he operated for three years. Bob was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church, State College where he excelled in fund raising and served as the chair of the church property team. He also enjoyed helping in the kitchen during Super Wednesdays. A memorial service will be held in May or June, at a date to be announced, upon the completion of the church’s columbarium. Memorial contributions may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church in memory of Robert H. Morrell, 205 South Garner Street, State College, PA 16801. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com