Morris George Zobrist, 98, passed away of natural causes on July 30, 2026, at his home in Chandler Arizona. Morris was born on September 09, 1927, in Highland, Illinois to Florence and Edgar Zobrist.
Morris grew up and lived most of his life in the Highland area. He started working in the oil fields at age 17. In November 1945, he married Olinda (Linda) Marquardt. In November 2021 they celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary prior to Linda’s death in April 2022. Morris worked most of his career for the Laborers Local of Illinois. Morris and Linda moved their family to Marine, Illinois in 1953. While in Marine, Morris organized and coached Khoury League youth baseball teams for 8 years. He also started and organized the first Cub Scout organization in Marine. In 1965, they moved back to Highland where he and Linda owned and operated a locally loved gem, the L&M Tavern until 1980.
Morris retired from the Illinois Laborer’s Local in 1989 and he and Linda moved to Phoenix, Arizona to be close to their two sons (Michael and David) and their families. There, he joined the Arizona Laborers Local until he again retired and moved back to Highland in 1994 with his wife Linda. In Highland, Morris became very involved with the local Knights of Columbus. He was Chairman of the KC St Jude yearly bike ride for 14 years and raised $60,000 for the children of St. Jude. As a proud member of the Highland KCs, Morris played a meaningful role in the development of the current KC hall and by connecting the building committee with his son, David, who provided architectural design services for the new hall. Morris became Grand Knight of the Highland Knights of Columbus 1580 and later the Faithful Navigator of the Fourth Degree 0231 and was very active in the KC Honor Guard. Morris was inducted into the Springfield K of C Hall of Fame in 2004.
Morris’s greatest passion was playing his accordion. He began playing as a young boy and continued to play his accordion and organ until he was 98. He played various venues throughout the years with his musical family and his band, The Stag Liners. Morris was also a member of the KC Knight Time Singers.
In 2014, Morris and Linda moved back to Phoenix to be closer to their family, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Morris is proceeded in death by his Wife, Linda – died 2022: Father Edgar – died 1977: Mother Florence – died 1972; Brother Herbert – died 1991; Brother Earl – died 2000; Brother Walter – died 1983; Sister Dorris (Twin) – died 2019; Brother Richard (Infant) died 1917.
Morris is survived by Sons Ronald (Sandy), Michael (Cindy), David (Christy); Grandchildren Eric (Kasandra), Kurt (Casey), Victoria, Nicole, Mikayla, Robert (Jasmine), Tiffany (Matt) Dewitt, Michelle (Josh) Weiler, Zoe (Lewis) O’Mara; Great Grandchildren Ayla, Luca, Cameron, Caden, Hailey Dewitt, Ava Dewitt, Jaxson Weiler, Kinley Weiler, Beau O’Mara, Margot O’Mara, Royce and Greyson.
Visitation will be held Monday August 17, 2026, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Moss Funeral Home, in Highland, Illinois. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, with Fr. Pat G. Jakel, presiding, in Highland, IL The burial service will follow at the St. Joseph Cemetery on Michael Road, Highland, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, plants, or other gifts, those who wish to remember Morris in a special way, may make memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 1501 9th St., Highland, IL 62249, who is serving the family.
