Morris “Mo” Lee Guthrie, 61, passed away at Avera Hospital in Sioux Falls on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, following heart complications. He was born March 11, 1964, to Raymond Hugh and Rose “June” (Etzkorn) Guthrie in Pierre, SD and was the youngest of 6 children.

Morris grew up in Murdo, SD. He attended school and graduated from Jones County High School in 1983. He was an avid reader, enjoying adventure tales and Jack London stories. Morris excelled in sports and was a standout player in football. He wasn’t fast but he was quick, and he enjoyed track. Morris and his siblings spent a lot of time at the family farm in Draper. Time was spent tending to cattle and doing the necessary repairs around the farm. Their mother would take them to the farm fishing and hunting, as June would say “keep them all out of trouble”. Morris participated in 4-H where he received numerous Purple Ribbons. One of his proudest moments was when he caught the pig at the Greased Pig Scramble at Achievement Days, and went on to raise that pig and won a Purple Ribbon at the State Fair. He was confirmed in the Catholic Church and served as an altar boy. He also followed the family tradition of delivering newspapers throughout the Murdo community.

Upon High School graduation Morris attended Northern State College in Aberdeen where, as a Freshman, he was a starting linebacker on the Varsity team.

We believe that Mo never owned a car that he didn’t carry a toolbox in. Consequently, he was a pretty good mechanic and always helped his Mom and others with mechanical needs.

During his adult years Morris lived in variety of places doing different things. During his early 20’s he lived in Murdo and worked on various farms and ranches throughout the community. He later relocated to Pierre, SD and worked at Walmart assisting with the startup of the new store. For the last 10+ years he lived in Mitchell, SD, and could be seen pedaling around town on his bicycle with a big grin on his face. He was a kind and generous soul and would give you the shirt off his own back if he thought you needed it more than he did.

Morris always was a generous and caring soul. He invariably had a smile on his face. Morris was quick to ask “how’s everyone doing”. At Christmastime, Morris, even though he had limited income, always managed to buy his siblings a present. Morris was grateful for even the smallest acts of kindness.

During his adult life Morris struggled with health challenges that ultimately affected his abilities to live independently.

He is survived by his siblings; Veronica (Bob Streets) Guthrie, Sheridan, WY; James (Susan) Guthrie, Summerset, SD, Sheila (Larry) Mines, Chamberlain, SD, Clark (Lynne) Guthrie, Pierre, SD, and Kent (Cindy) Guthrie, Rapid City, SD. He loved his nieces and nephews and always wanted to know how they were doing; they are Grant (Lisa) Guthrie, Jami (Jim) Guthrie; Courtney (Michael) Rowland, Nikki Mines, Chuck (Crispin) Mines, Ted Mines, Laurie (Matt) Bilben, Karissa (Owen) Beyer, Shelby (Matt) Guthrie, Jessica (Aaron) Daniel and Ashlen (Travis) Bunkowske. He also had numerous great nieces and nephews.

Morris was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Rose June Guthrie.

A visitation will be held from 6-7 p.m. CDT with a prayer service starting at 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Murdo.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. CDT on Monday, October 27, 2025 at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Murdo with Father John Heying as celebrant.

Interment will follow at the Murdo Cemetery.