Morley Elmer Oerther, 73 yrs, of Ida, passed away on Sunday, February 14, 2010, at Toledo Hospital after suffering a brief illness. He was a strong man who took care of his business, his farm, but most of all, his family. Friends may call at the Capaul Funeral Home, Ida, Tuesday and Wednesday, from 1-9 PM. He will lie in state at the Lulu United Methodist Church, Thursday, from 10 AM until services at 11 AM. Reverend Bonnie Frey will officiate. Burial will be in Lulu Cemetery.

Morley was born April 30, 1936, in Monroe, MI, to Elmer John and Lucille Mae (Steckmeyer) Oerther. He married Dione (DeeDee) Elisabeth Verdon on August 22, 1959 at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Monroe. He and his wife enjoyed dancing, water skiing, and driving tractors. Morley attended Zion Lutheran Church's Grade School, where he was baptized and confirmed. He graduated a year early from Airport School District in 1953 as he completed all of his course work by the end of his Junior year. He learned how to take care of people at an early age and continued to watch over and take care of everyone who was part of his life. A more giving and loving man cannot be found. He grew up on the family farm on North Monroe Street, helping his parents with Maybee Gas and Oil Company, and their New Holland Dealership. Morley was a self-motivator and was gifted with many talents. He was an avid tractor-pulling competitor for the County Fairs throughout Michigan in 1959-1968. He was a National Ballroom Dance Champion for Arthur Murray School of Dance.

Morley was a founder of many businesses: Oerther Brothers Excavating, 1958-2010; Oerther Brothers Fleet Wing Service, 1959-2010; Oerther Farms, in 1959-2010; C&M Trucking, in 1968-1999; Midport Trucking, in 1972-1992; and Monroe Slag and Iron Recycling, 1980-1987. Morley dedicated his time and talent to projects such as the site work for Fermi I and Fermi II, North Star Steel, in Monroe, Meijer, in Grand Rapids, and the Monroe Power Plant. He was a member of Farm Bureau, Lulu United Methodist Church, Michigan Sheriffs' Association and volunteered for many other organizations in Monroe County.

Surviving are: his wife, Dione (DeeDee) E.V. Oerther, children, Dione Shawnne (David Biniecki) Oerther, and Morley Shannon (Heather) Oerther; and grandchildren, Danielle Shawnne Cameron, Joel Michael Oerther, and Ashley Nichole Oerther; and a brother, Charles. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Joan; and his sister-in-law LaDonna (Metz) Oerther. He is also survived by all of his animals on the farm and his office cat.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Ida Volunteer Fire Department or  Lulu United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be sent to: www.capaulfuneralhome.com