Murray Perdue, 25

Murray C. Perdue, 25, of Minneapolis, Minn., formerly of Griswold, passed away from injuries due to a tree-trimming accident Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011, northwest of St. Peter, Minn.

Murray Christopher Perdue was born to Mark L. and Martina “Tina” (Jensen) Perdue Oct. 8, 1985, in Red Oak.

Murray grew up on the family farm near Griswold, where he loved being outdoors, working on the farm and spending time with his siblings and cousins.

Murray graduated from Griswold High School with the class of 2004. He attended University of Iowa, graduating in 2008 with a degree in Geosciences. It was during Murray’s freshmen year at the University of Iowa he met his fiancée, Jess Nelson, from Edina, Minn.

Following graduation, Murray worked for the Iowa Geological Survey for a year. In July 2009, Murray moved to Minneapolis to be with Jess and began working as an arborist.

Murray enjoyed nature and being outdoors in all four seasons. He loved to camp, fish, canoe, kayak, snowboard and cross country ski. Murray was very creative and enjoyed woodworking, brewing beer, traveling and loved to cook for his family and friends. He was an avid fan and follower of Iowa Hawkeye Football.

While in Minnesota, Murray had begun to volunteer with water conservation work which he planned to make his career.

Murray was a member of Evangelical Free Church in Atlantic, where he was active in the youth group.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Catherine Jensen, Marvin Jensen and Marilyn Perdue.

Murray is survived by his fiancée, Jess Nelson, of Minneapolis; parents, Mark and Tina Perdue, of Griswold; brother, Mallory Perdue, of Kaiserslautern, Germany; sisters, Mindee (Ray) Curtis, of Omaha, and Margee Perdue, of Miahuatlan, Mexico; nephew, Barrett Curtis; grandparents, Marlin Perdue, of Council Bluffs, and Marilyn Jensen, of Atlantic; future father-in-law, Paul Nelson, of Edina; aunts; uncles; cousins; other relatives; and many friends.

Memorial service will take place Wednesday, Sept. 7, at 1 p.m., at the Central Church of Christ in Griswold, with Rev. Alan Seehusen officiating.

A memorial is being established in Murray’s name and may be directed to the family.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.sldfuneralhome.com

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.