Danny Michael Morgan, age 75, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, stories, and adventures.

Danny was born on December 19, 1950, at Park Hospital in Mason City, Iowa, to Don Morgan and Patricia Morgan. He grew up in Mason City alongside his siblings and attended local schools. Though school was not always his favorite place, Danny possessed determination and resilience that would shape the course of his life.

At age 17, Danny left school and when he turned 18, made a decision that changed everything. On January 15, 1969, he enlisted in the United States Navy. When he informed his mother of his decision, she protested, reminding him that a war was underway. Danny's response was simple and characteristically direct: "Mom, I signed the papers. I leave in two weeks."

The Navy became one of the great adventures of his life. While serving, he earned his high school diploma, proudly exchanging what he jokingly described as "D's and F's" for "A's and B's." His military service took him to places and experiences he could never have imagined as a young man growing up in Iowa.

Danny was first stationed in Annapolis, Maryland, where he helped feed the midshipmen. He later served in Newport, Rhode Island, aboard the light guided missile cruiser USS Little Rock (CLG-4) and participated in a midshipman summer cruise aboard USS Cleveland (LPD-7) in 1970. During his second enlistment, he served aboard USS Bristol County (LST-1198). Over six years in the Navy, Danny traveled to 20 countries and experienced cultures, cities, and landscapes that broadened his view of the world.

Among his favorite memories were his travels through Italy, where he visited more cities than in any other country, and a trip to Bergen, Norway, homeland of his ancestors. There he enjoyed what he often called the finest meal of his life: a halibut steak, two kinds of potatoes, homemade Norwegian bread, and 2 bottles of Norwegian beer. The entire feast cost only five American dollars, a story he delighted in retelling.

His Navy service transformed him in many ways. After returning home from boot camp, his mother remarked, "For 18 years I've been trying to get you to stand straight and walk tall. What I couldn't do in 18 years, the Navy did in three months." From that day forward, she never regretted his decision to serve.

Following his military service, Danny spent 23 years working as a cook in San Diego. When a management opportunity passed him by because he was considered too valuable on the line where he did the work of two cooks, he decided it was time for a change. He worked for GF Crenlo in Rochester, Minnesota, painting tractor cabs and building a new chapter of his life.

Before beginning that chapter, Danny married Cheri Lynn Kenworthy, and together they welcomed two sons, Thomas Michael and Chad William. Though their marriage later ended, Danny remained proud of his sons throughout his life.

In 1994, Danny met the love of his life, Celia Bjelland, at a laundry he managed in Lemon Grove, California. They remained devoted companions from that day forward. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, friendship, and mutual care. Celia’s son Robbie became Danny’s shadow, working for him at the laundries and then following him to several other jobs. He called Danny every day without fail to check on him.

Danny was a hardworking and respected employee wherever he worked. After moving to St. George, Utah, in 2004 with Celia and her grandson Dale, he worked for Holbrook Asphalt and then spent years at the Wal-Mart Distribution Center, serving in replenishment and quality assurance. Later he worked at Harmon's and eventually at the Bloomington Wal-Mart, where he became known for his dedication and reliability and formed lasting friendships. His friends from Wal-Mart who were very special to him and helped him along the way include Jennifer Fielding, Darren Rosencranz, and Rebecca and Jason Beaver. He continued working at the Bloomington Wal-Mart until February 2026, only six months before entering hospice care.

Danny's faith journey was one of sincere searching and steadfast commitment. Raised in the Episcopal Church, he wrestled with questions of faith throughout much of his life. In 2015, as he prepared for open-heart surgery, he received a priesthood blessing from his friend Ron Lemmon. Everything that Ron asked the Lord for in that blessing happened. Two years later, Danny thought – “There’s something going on with this priesthood thing, maybe I better look into this more.” The experience profoundly affected him and led him to study the Book of Mormon. Though friends joked that his reading pace meant it would take 540 years to finish, Danny persisted and continued to study the Book of Mormon throughout the rest of his life. The book changed his life.

Danny was baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in April 2017 and received his temple endowment in the St. George Utah Temple in April 2018. He had been still drinking decaf coffee up until one week before he went to the temple. He told God, “You know I drink decaf coffee, is that okay with you?” He said he had no desire to drink coffee after that. He faithfully served as Sunday School Secretary, Sunday School President, and Ward Missionary. His faith became a source of strength, purpose, and peace throughout the remainder of his life.

Family meant everything to Danny. Though he had two sons by birth, he embraced Celia's five children, 34 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren as his own. He loved them deeply and was proud of each one. One of his greatest hopes was that he and Celia will someday spend eternity together.

Danny was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Patricia Morgan; his brothers, Christopher Morgan and Steve Morgan; and his son, Thomas Michael Morgan.

He is survived by his loving companion, Celia Bjelland; his son Chad William Morgan (Jessica); granddaughters Dylan and Daylee Morgan; his sister Donna Morgan of Beaver Dam, Arizona; Celia’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; and countless extended family members and dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

One of Danny's deepest relationships was with his brother Christopher. Just one year, one month, and one week apart in age, they were frequently mistaken for twins. Together they filled childhood with adventures that kept their mother, aunts, and grandmother perpetually concerned about what trouble might come next. Family often joked that if Danny didn't think of something, Christopher certainly would.

As we remember Danny today, it is comforting to imagine that long-awaited reunion at last. And if Danny and Christopher are together again, heaven had better be on guard.

Danny will be remembered for his independence, strong work ethic, adventurous spirit, devotion to family, faithful service, and storytelling ability. His life was rich with experience, laughter, friendship, and love. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue in the hearts of all who knew him.

There will be a viewing on Saturday, November 14th, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the St George 10th ward chapel at 591 W 500 N St. Funeral services will take place afterwards at 10:00 a.m.

For those unable to attend in person, a Livestream will be made available.