Levurne “Verne” Michael Murray, 81, passed away May 12, 2026, in his sleep at home in Ankeny, IA.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Ankeny Presbyterian Church (317 SE Trilein Dr., Ankeny). Family will greet friends an hour prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Verne was born May 18, 1944, to John and Freda Murray in Estherville, IA. He received his education in the Estherville school system. At the age of 17, and with his parents’ permission, he entered the United States Navy where he served for the next six years. After completion of his military service, he received his GED and attended Iowa Lakes Community College on the GI Bill.

Verne married Kelly Kuehl on July 31, 1972, and to this union their only son, Michael, was born on December 22, 1975. Verne and Kelly spent many years in the Iowa Great Lakes region, but in 1987 they moved to Ankeny, IA, where Verne continued his work as an established owner and operator of Murray Carpet Service. He maintained this business for 44 years until his retirement in 2008.

Verne was a five-time cancer survivor and was a source of inspiration and encouragement to many. He felt blessed to have survived so many rounds and treatment cycles and continued to live life to the fullest.

He loved the Iowa Hawkeyes, Green Bay Packers, and an occasional jaunt to the casino. He also loved any and all time spent with family and friends, always hoping it would include a few games of cards. He was the family prankster and a favorite uncle because of his willingness to encourage and participate in anything that caused eyebrows to rise. He was good for a joke his entire life and laughter always filled the room Verne was in.

Verne was a member of Ankeny Presbyterian Church and the American Legion Club and Disabled American Veterans Society.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 53 years, Kelly Murray of Ankeny; son, Michael Murray of Ankeny; and many nephews, nieces, and great-nephews and great-nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Freda Murray; infant son, Mitchell John Murray in 1997; brothers, Ralph Murray, John Murray, Jr., Larry Murray, and Charles Murray; sister, Aletha MacDonald; infant sister, Charlotte; nephews, Dennis Murray, and Nick McDonald; and niece, Patsy Murray.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Ankeny Presbyterian Church or the American Cancer Society.

Visitation & Memorial Service

Jun

15

Ankeny Presbyterian Church

317 SE Trilein Dr.
Ankeny, IA 50021

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM