Angel Morales

Angel Morales of Rochester, Minnesota left us on April 13th, 2026, following his battle with pancreatic cancer. A man who loved and cherished his whole family, Angel was a kind soul whose bright light touched the lives of those he met.

Angel was born in Texas, on November 22nd, 1958, to Juan David and Maria Del Carmen Morales. He was the fourth of seven children. His family was employed as migrant workers and eventually settled down and bought a home in Byron, Wyoming.

After graduating from Byron High School, Angel earned a bachelor's degree in industrial arts from the University of Wyoming and taught middle school industrial arts in La Junta, Colorado. In 1988 he earned his master's degree in secondary education from Western Colorado University. A highlight of his early career was being invited to be a member and graduate of the NEA Women and Minority Uniserve Program. Having worked as a teachers' union field representative in New Mexico, Texas, South Dakota, and finally Minnesota, Angel had a passion for education and advocated for both students and teachers to improve educational opportunities.

Angel wrote, "I did not always plan to become an educator, I just became an educator of many. It was the love of teaching others that would always pull me in. The greatest gift to me was receiving the many compliments from educators, friends, and family on a job well done at the end of my journey."

It was in 1993 in Pierre, South Dakota where Angel married Jonelle Livermont. They spent five years together in Pierre before relocating to Rochester, MN. Angel and Jonelle were blessed with two children, Ethan in 1995 and Carol in 2000. As a family we enjoyed camping, biking, cooking, traveling, and supporting the kids through music and sports activities.

Angel is survived by his wife Jonelle Morales, son Ethan (Shelbie), and daughter Carol (Noah). His six siblings, Socorra Morales (Ken), Clementine Gallegos (Manuel), Lilly Plasencio (Benny), Mary Nottage, David Morales (Barb), and Rick Morales-Brewick (Terry). And all his amazing nieces and nephews and their families. Angel was preceded in death by his parents David and Carmen.

A service to celebrate Angel's life will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN. A Visitation/Reception will follow the service at Ranfranz and Vine Reception Centre. Angel has requested that no black is worn at the service and would like for people to dress in brightly colored clothing.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Morales family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com