Morris Camrud

Morris Camrud, 89, of Billings, passed away on March 26, 2017, at Tendernest, following a brief illness.

Morris was born on Aug. 4, 1927, to Joseph I. Camrud and Ingeborg Brynjelsen Camrud in Wolf Point. His father homesteaded there in the early 1900s. His mother emigrated from Norway in the 1920s. He was raised on the family ranch 30 miles north of Wolf Point in the community of Benrud. Morris had two brothers, Iver and Robert. Morris attended country grade school for the first six grades. In 1940, they moved to the Macon area near Wolf Point so they all could attend high school in Wolf Point. Morris graduated from high school in 1946.

In 1947, Morris moved to Billings to attend college and for employment. He was drafted into the army during the Korean War. After specialized training, he was sent to Korea to serve in the Finance Corp with the KMAO during 1952 and 1953. He returned to the U.S. in early 1954 upon completion of his duty and was honorably discharged at the San Francisco presidio. Sergeant Camrud was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service. Morris returned to Billings and entered in the accounting business with plans to become a CPA.

Morris met Joan Lilleoien in Billings and they were married on June 17, 1956, in McVille, N.D. They had four children: Doug, Greg, Scott and Janet. They have lived in the family home they built in 1965 for the last 52 years. In 1956, Morris decided to enter the real estate, construction and development businesses, and was in this business for the next 47 years until retirement. In 1975, he was appointed to the Real Estate Commission for four years.

Morris enjoyed traveling with his family, especially their trips to California, Arizona, New York City and Washington, D.C. He loved to play and watch golf. Morris played golf into his early 80s for the enjoyment and exercise it gave him. He also enjoyed the many camping, fishing and hunting trips through the years with extended family and friends. As a hobby, he became a licensed pilot in 1976. Morris was a member of the Masonic order, American Legion, Corral of Westerners, and was also a Shriner. Morris and his wife Joan were also charter members of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.

Morris is survived by his wife, Joan; children Doug of Denver, Greg of Everett, Wash., Scott of Bozeman, and Janet (Mark) Lauf of Helena; granddaughters Rachel and Jenna Lauf; along with many other cousins, nieces and nephews.

Preceding Morris in death were his parents, Joe and Ingeborg Camrud; and brothers Iver and Robert Camrud.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1108 N. 24th St. West. The casket will be open at church prior to the service. Burial with military honors will follow in Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park.