Roy Ben Purdy

Roy Ben Purdy was born on February 8, 1916, to Frank and Zelpha Decker Purdy in Freeborn County. Roy attended the Pioneer District 16 and Alden consolidated schools. He entered the Army and was in the Infantry in WWII. After his time in the service, he worked as an auto mechanic for Twito Chevrolet in Lake Mills, IA. On March 24, 1945 Roy married Helen Lorraine Hanna at the North Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Scarville, IA. In 1951 they moved to the Alden area and farmed until 1964 when Roy started to work for the Pinkerton Security at Wilson & Co., Albert Lea, MN. He was a member of the Alden Legion Post 404, and the Outpost 12, United States 3rd Infantry Division. Roy enjoyed woodworking, furniture making, fishing and travel. Survivors include his wife, Helen; children, George Michell Purdy of Mahtomedi, MN, Carla Kilpatrick of Rochester, MN, Daniel Joyce Purdy of Albert Lea, MN; grandchildren Mark, Andy, Sarah, and Amy Purdy; great grandchild, Alli Runkle; sister Betty Peterson of Detroit Lakes, MN; brother, LuVern Purdy of Alden, MN; and several nieces and nephews. Roy was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Lloyd Peterson; sister-in-law, Olive Purdy; nephews, Lyle and Dennis Peterson.