Laurine Ida Murrell, 87, of Bridgeport, was called home by her Lord and Savior, Sunday, December 18, 2011 at the Morrill County Community Hospital in Bridgeport. A celebration of her life will be Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 2pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Bridgeport with Pastor Ron Nuss-Warren officiating. Interment will be held at Oregon Trail Memorial Cemetery in Bridgeport. Visitation is scheduled from 4pm until 7pm at Jolliffe Funeral Home in Bridgeport on Wednesday, December 21, 2011. Memorials in Laurine’s honor may be made in care of the family to be designated at a later time.

Laurine was born November 19, 1924 at her grandparent’s home, the oldest daughter of 11 children, to John C. and June D. (Jensen) Zorn. She grew up on the family homestead north of Oshkosh, graduated from Garden Co High School and received her teaching certificate from Chadron. She taught at Oshkosh country schools over the next several years.

Laurine met WWII United States Marine Corporal, Lester (Punchy) E. Murrell while he was visiting in Oshkosh on leave. They married January 19, 1947 and made their home in Oshkosh. Laurine and Punchy moved to Bridgeport in 1956 and to this union 5 children were born.

Laurine was a 50 year member of the First Presbyterian Church in Bridgeport where she served as deacon and Sunday school teacher. During her years in Bridgeport, she worked at the school kitchen and at the Jack & Jill Grocery store. After retirement she and Punchy worked together as the “cleaning company” for the Abbott Bank. As grandchildren arrived, Laurine affectionately became known to family and friends as “Gram”. Many have been blessed with her beautiful, warm, homemade quilts and her baked goods.

Gram is survived by her daughters Mary (Rick) Hessler of Gering, Pat (Lou) Panas, Nancy Wallesen, and son Chuck (Stefani) Murrell all of Bridgeport; nine grandchildren; ten great grandchildren with the 11th due in March; sister Sharon Paulson of Oshkosh; sisters-in-law Rosie Zorn, Mary Lou White, Geraldine Zorn, and Barb Zorn all of Oshkosh.

Gram’s parents, husband Punchy, daughter Linda June Murrell, nine siblings Glen, Stanley, Jack, Jean, Mary, Bud, Carol, Donna and Bill all preceded her in death.

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