Ernest L. Murphy, 71
Ernest LeRoy Murphy, 71, of Austin, died on Feb. 13, 2009 at Methodist Hospital in Rochester.
    Ernie was born Nov. 19, 1937 in Austin to Ernest W. and Martha (Brown) Murphy. He grew up in Austin where he graduated from Austin High School in 1955. On Nov. 3, 1962 he was united in marriage to Clara Rubin at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. Ernie worked as a Senior Lab Technician in the Chemistry Lab, Research and Development, at Hormel Foods for 44 years. Following his retirement he worked for Mayer Funeral Home. Ernie was a member and trustee of First Congregational Church in Austin. He enjoyed playing piano and organ for many area churches, teaching 55 Alive classes, volunteering for Meals on Wheels and driving for the Language Camp each summer.
    Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Cathy (Tom) Hemish, Farmington, Laura (Tony) Regner, Rochester, Minn., Cheryl (Corey) Brunton, Mankato, Minn.; five grandchildren, Leah Hemish, Jessica and Kristin Regner, Ashley and Tyler Brunton; sister, Fern Lickteig, Austin; several nieces and nephews.
    He is preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Jacob Regner; one sister; two brothers.
    Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009 at First Congregational Church in Austin. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday at Mayer Funeral Home and also one hour before the service at the church on Tuesday. Interment will be in Dexter Cemetery.