Ivo O. Murdy, 94, Lead, SD, passed away Thursday, March 1, 2012 at Lead-Deadwood Regional Hospital in Deadwood. He was born June 26, 1917 in Lebanon, SD to James and Bina (Vail) Murdy. He went to school in Lebanon until about 12 years of age. His family moved to Rapid City for a short time and then to Lead where he continued his education graduating from Lead High School in 1936. Ivo went to work immediately for Hendrie and Bolthoff, where he continued to work until he enlisted in the Army in January 1942. He returned to work in that company after the war until he resigned as manager after 31 years.

Ivo served in the Pacific with the 129th Co. E, a unit which was with the National Guard in Illinois. He earned his first Purple Heart at Bougainville in the South Pacific, and his second in the landing during the invasion of Luzon, Philippines. Ivo was recommended for field promotion and to receive the Silver Star, but declined the honor because he believed the entire unit should be given the award, not Ivo alone. He was Honorably Discharged on July 31, 1945.

Ivo married Evelyn Schnitzel on July 28, 1946, making their home in Deadwood, SD for 15 years. The couple moved back to Lead, where they lived until the time of Ivo's death.

Ivo was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, serving on the vestry for many years. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #9, serving as Master in 1964. Ivo continued his Masonic work as Past Commander of the Dakota Commandery #1, Knights Templer and served in the Royal Arch Lookout Chapter and other offices through the Naja Temple Shriners, where he was a member for 65 years. He was also a member of the American Legion, VFW and served on many committees throughout the Black Hills area including the Black Hills Pioneer Society and the Black Hills Mining Museum in Lead. Ivo and Evelyn bought and operated the J&E Shop in Lead and operated that business until they retired in 1984.

Ivo is survived by his wife of 65 years, sister-in-law, Phyllis Lorang, brother-in-law, David Von Wald, niece JoDee Lorang, nephews Randy and Russell Von Wald and seven great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at Christ Church Episcopal in Lead at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, March 6, 2012, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Christ Church, Lead, Furnace Fund.