Purdy William Wright

Purdy W. Wright, 88, of Utica, passed away February 2, 2007 at Lake Winona Manor of pneumonia and diabetes. He was born in Montana to William and Nettie (Albert) Wright, October 16, 1918. His parents homesteaded a ranch near Terry, Montana. When Purdy was 8 years old his family moved to southern Minnesota to farm. He attended the Perry District School of Utica, and St. Charles High School. He married Minnie E. Block October 6, 1941. She survives him after 65 years of marriage. Purdy was always a friendly helping hand to anyone in need. He farmed with his parents ? a dairy operation ? raising and selling polled Holstein breeding stock for southern, MN, Wisconsin, Iowa and South Dakota areas. He retired from milking in 1977 and later from active farming, renting the land to neighbors. He served on school board, the Agriculture Stabilization Conservation Service Board (ASCS) in Winona County and Zoning Board. He was a member of the Lewiston Church of the Brethren, serving on the Deacon Board for many years. He enjoyed doing projects in his shop ? welding and making things. He loved to visit with friends and neighbors. Attending auction sales and fishing were two of his choice recreations. Nieces and nephews brought him joy. He will be greatly missed. Blessed be his memory. Interment services will be 2PM, Saturday April 21, 2007 at the Church of the Brethren Cemetery, east of Lewiston. The Reverend's Gordon Hoffert and Susan Bollinger will officiate. Honorary casket bearers are; Alvin: "Bud" Schwieder, Amos, J.A. Yoder, Clifford Thompson, Sr., Ernest "Ted" Block, Elmer Block, Roy Bollinger and Melvin Schmucker. Please share a memory of Purdy on his on-line guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com. Hoff Funeral Home of Lewiston is assisting the family with arrangements.