McMurray, Laverne “Mac”

Laverne “Mac” McMurray, 96, resident of Cedar Rapids for more than 62 years, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009, in Springfield, Ill., after a brief illness. Services will be held at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories on Thursday at 11 a.m. Visitation from 9 to 11 a.m. at the chapel. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mac was born on March 8, 1913, in Andrew, Iowa. He was the oldest of three sons born to Jay and Emelie (Tebben) McMurray, growing up on a farm near Andrew. He taught in a one-room rural school in his early years.

With the outbreak of World War II, Mac joined the U.S. Army and became a communications sergeant in the 539th Infantry Division, fighting in various North Africa and Italy campaigns of 1943-45. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for bravery for stringing a radio line across a minefield, helping save some of his fellow soldiers. He was also chosen for a special mission to rescue high-profile prisoners, including famed Pastor Martin Neimoller, who were being held by the Nazis in a castle in the Italian Alps. His faith in God was always a big part of his life. He rarely spoke of his war experiences except to say that a higher power was watching out for him during his 14 months of front line combat in Italy where the casualties were very high; he was one of only 20 of the original 200 in his infantry company to come home. The years of sleeping on the ground in foxholes did result in Mac having a dislike for any type of camping the rest of his life.

After returning home from the war, Mac married Edna Viola Knock on Nov. 25, 1945, in Grundy County. After briefly living in Chicago, they settled in Cedar Rapids, where they lived until Oct. 2008.

Mac was a longtime member and elder of the Calvin-Sinclair Presbyterian Church. He worked for Iowa Rusco Co. for nearly 40 years, installing steel windows and doors on thousands of homes and businesses in Eastern Iowa. He liked to keep busy and was in a bowling league up until age 90. An avid sports fan, he was particularly enthusiastic about the Iowa Hawkeyes. He was a quiet, good man who loved to work, and while personally thrifty, was always generous to his family, his church, and others in need. Spending the last four years in an assisted living residence, he never failed to say thank you to all who helped him.

Laverne is survived by Edna, his wife of 63 years; their three children, Dennis McMurray (companion, Nancy) of Springfield, Ill., Douglas McMurray (spouse, Amani) of Webster City, and Lynn Fitzgibbons (spouse, Michael) of Tulsa, Okla.; five grandchildren, Megan and Kaitlyn Fitzgibbons, and Adam, David and Zachary McMurray; as well as seven nephews and nieces, Larry, Jerry, Judy, Connie and Gary McMurray, and Loren McMurray and Stacey Bain.

Preceding him in death were his brothers, Donald McMurray and Dale McMurray.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution to your favorite charity may be made on his behalf. 

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