Phillip Lawrence Duffy

     Phillip Lawrence Duffy, age 80, of Luverne, died Thursday June 25th, 2020 at the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage.  He was born on September 9th, 1939 in Sherman, SD to Homer and Marie (Axelson) Duffy.  He went on to graduate from Jasper High School.

   Phil married Loretta Schultz on April 26th, 1962, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Garretson, SD.  After their marriage, the couple lived briefly in Sioux Falls, SD before moving to Luverne.

  He was a member of St. Catherine’s Catholic Church.  In his youth, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He was an avid sports fan and followed the Vikings, Wild, Twins, Timberwolves, U of MN Golden Gophers and the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.  He also followed Luverne Cardinal wresting, and was a NASCAR racing fan.  He was also an avid pool and Pinochle card player.    

     When his children were younger, he coached all three of his sons in baseball, and helped them each win multiple Cub Scout pinewood derby races, in addition to helping his grandson win one as well. 

     He started his career in construction taking down telephone poles, and in his early 20’s accepted a position with Mohr Sign in Luverne, until he started his own company, Duffy Signs, in which he did commercial sign work, specializing in making neon signs.  With the onset of Dutch Elm Disease in the region in the mid 1970’s, he transitioned to tree trimming and removal.  In his later years he worked part time at Luverne Lanes.    

    He will be remembered for his great sense of humor, quick wit, and kind heartedness. 

   Phil is survived by his five children, Daniel (Cori) Duffy, Lino Lakes MN; Denise (Bob) Barrett, Sioux Falls, SD; Darren (Linsey) Duffy, Dell Rapids, SD; David Duffy, Luverne; and Debra (Gary) Dohrmann, Foley, MN; eleven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

   He was preceded in death by his wife, Loretta; his sister, brother and parents. 

During these times of social distancing and caution, in lieu of flowers, cards and memorials are preferred.  Thank you.

   The family would like to invite everyone to The Lake (815 W Edgehill, Luverne MN) after the graveside burial service for fellowship.

   A Memorial Mass will be 10:30 am Thursday at St. Catherine Catholic Church, in Luverne, officiated by Monsignor Gerald Kosse. A time of fellowship will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Burial of cremains will be in the St. Catherine Cemetery in Luverne.

   Dingmann Funeral Home & Cremation Services, in Luverne, is in charge of arrangements.

      To live stream the funeral and graveside service please visit http://www.facebook.com/DingmannFH

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