Laverne “Vern” F. Murphy, 82, St. Cloud

July 5, 1939 - April 13, 2022

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids for Laverne “Vern” F. Murphy, age 82, who passed away Wednesday at the St. Cloud Hospital. Rev. Scott Pogatchnik will officiate and burial will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Monday and one hour prior to the services Tuesday at the funeral home in Sauk Rapids.

Vern was born July 5, 1939 in Mitchell, SD to Francis & Josephine (Knapin) Murphy. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Air Force from 1956-1960 and later served in the U.S. Navy. Vern married Patricia Ann Farrell, and they were blessed with their daughter, Wendy. They later divorced. Vern married Jeanne (Conroy) Payonk on August 29, 1975 in Estherville, IA. He worked at Electrolux for over 30 years. Vern was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, St. Cloud East Side VFW Post #4847. He loved being with his grandkids and listening to the classics; like Johnny Cash, Elvis and Hank Williams. Vern was a true cowboy at heart. He worked hard, did his own work and did it right. Vern was larger than life and gave the best bear hugs. In all of his strength that he carried, he had a softer side as well. Vern liked to garden, was a talented artist and he cherished the coffee and conversation with his neighbors. He loved the Minnesota Vikings in a family of Packers fans. Vern was active his entire life and carried a lot of life experience with him. He lived a great life and has left an unforgettable legacy.

Survivors include his daughter, Wendy (Steve) Wineinger of Sioux Falls, SD; step-children, Scott (Kristi) Schardin of Brainerd, Shawn (Sue) Murphy of Sauk Rapids and Tom (Lisa) Murphy of Wyoming, MN; sister, Evelyn Turner of Stockton, CA; grandchildren, Ashley, Tasha, Beth, Tim, Tracy, Matt, Sarah, Krista, Chantel and Seth; and 20 great grandchildren. Vern was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jeanne in 2003; step-daughter, Terri (Gary) Primus; and grandson, Seth Schardin.

To celebrate Vern, his family invites you to wear your best cowboy or country western attire.