The funeral service for Joseph "Joe" Purvis will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 3rd, at St. Joachim's Catholic Church in Plainview, with Father William Becker officiating. Burial will be in St. Joachim's Catholic Cemetery in Plainview with Military Rites by the William Allen American Legion Post #179 of Plainview.

Mr. Purvis, 68, of Plainview, died Thursday afternoon, May 29, 2014 at the Mayo Clinic Hospital – Rochester, Saint Marys Campus.

Joseph Samuel Purvis was born December 1, 1945 in Plainview to Samuel and Agnes (Harlan) Purvis. He lived his entire lifetime in the Plainview area, and attended school at Plainview Community Schools. Joe proudly served his country in the US Army, enlisting on December 27, 1963 and served in Germany until July 15, 1965. He then reenlisted in Darmstadt, Germany on July 16, 1965 and serve until April 5, 1969. Joe served in Vietnam from April 1968 to April 1969, where he operated a grader and bucket loader, building an airfield among other duties.

Joe was employed at the Plainview Community Schools as a custodian for 32 years. He served on the Plainview Volunteer Fire Department for over 20 years; was a member of the William Allen Legion Post #179 of Plainview, and Burkhardt-Roemer VFW Post #$086 of Wabasha. Joe was a member of St. Joachim's Catholic Church, and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed having coffee with friends, listening to Roy Rogers's music, and watching old time movies. Joe was a very kind and generous man, and remained a devout catholic. He played Santa Claus for many years for the elementary school.

Joe is survived by one sister, Rita Kruger of St. Peter, and one brother, Jim Purvis, Sr. of Wabasha; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends and family may visit from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 2nd, at the Schleicher Funeral Homes, Plainview Chapel in Plainview, and one hour prior to the service at the Church on Tuesday.