Gerald D. “Jerry” Murray

Saturday, October 15, 1938
Date of Death:
Friday, November 14, 2014
Age:
76 years old
Gerald D. “Jerry” Murray
Gerald D. “Jerry” Murray
The memorial service for Gerald D. “Jerry” Murray will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 21, 2014 at the River Park Chapel (Macken Funeral Home), in Rochester, with Rev. Paul Nelson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the chapel.
Gerald David “Jerry” Murray, 76, of Rochester, died on Friday, November 14, 2014 at his home surrounded by family.
Jerry was born October 15, 1938 in New Haven Township, the fourth of seven children of Dorothy Adele (Larsen) and LeRoy James Murray. He married Ruth Ellen Wacker on February 19, 1955. They were married 47 years. He married Marjorie Smith on February 27, 2007.
Jerry was employed by IBM for 31 years. Following retirement he spent winters with family and friends in Mesa, AZ. Active his entire life, Jerry enjoyed playing softball, tennis, golf, and biking. He will be remembered for his square dance calling and yodeling. His guitar was always close by.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Marge and ex-wife, Ruth; his four children, Peggy (Pete) Nelson of Portage, WI, Dennis (Diane) Murray of Byron, Scott Murray of Rochester. and David (Pam Winkler) Murray of Elk Mound, WI; eight grandchildren, Geri Anne, Jonathan (Emily), and Jaime Nelson, Hannah (Alex) Kilen, Nathan, Bradley, Ryan (Anne), and Megan Murray; two great grandchildren, Eliza Kilen and Ryland Murray; five siblings, Lola Sheppard of Clearwater, Maurice Murray of Maple Grove , James (Sharon) Murray of Andover, Ellen (James) Thompson of Tucson, AZ, and Charles (Deborah) Murray of Wabasha. Jerry was also loved and respected by Marge’s children, Alan White, Marlene Dokken, Neal White, and Diane Wendt.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Janette (John) Haynes.
Jerry lived and loved well.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to: Mayo Clinic Alzheimers Research Center, 200 1st St. SW, FF2-700, Rochester, MN 55905 Jerry’s family expresses gratitude to Dr. Boeve and his team at Mayo Clinic, the staff of Seasons Hospice, Visiting Angels, and Renae Hempker whose support allowed him to transition at home surrounded by loved ones.
On-line condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Condolences
The family of Gerald D. “Jerry” Murray has received the following condolences.
My sympathy goes out to Jerry's family and brothers and sisters. So sorry for your loss, he will be missed by many lives that he touched. Kathy Beck
Hello to family of Jerry Murray. Back in the 80s I used to go to some of Jerry's dances for DBD Plus and it was so enjoyable for me. I loved his calling because it was challenging and fast. I knew he had Alzheimer's Disease and it sure seems like he would have never gotten that with the twisting of the brains that he did!!! My condolences to his family.
Sincerely, Marilyn Vialle
Jerry has been an exceptionally creative square dance caller. His humor, his wit and his enthusiastic calling have given me hundreds of hours of delightful exercise and entertainment. Thank you Jerry, and much appreciation goes to his supportive family over the years. Condolences to all who loved him.
So sorry for your loss, our prayers go out to the entire family. Misty,Hayley,Cody Murray (Chuck's family)
Prayers to all Jerry's family. As a child I lived behind Jerry, and spent many days playing with Peggy. I remember many sleep overs. Both Jerry and Ruth were kind and caring. I remember one time I smashed my thumb during a sleep over, and they both were so kind. And that memory is at least 50 years old! I also worked at Mayo with Denny's wife, Diane. RIP Jerry! May good memories always live within all your hearts!...Debbie and Charlie
Dearest Marge. We were so saddened to hear of Jerry's passing. We will always have fond memories of Jerry at Monte Vista ALWAYS a smile on his face! And his love of music brightened our days many times. We will always remember your wedding that you shared with many of us there. Yes, we could see him failing with the dreaded "A" word, but even then he kept his smile and sense of humor. Keep those happy memories in your heart and know that you were so kind to him in his struggles daily. We were happy to hear you were able to visit Monte Vista even last winter.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hugs from the Campbells.... Leo and Margaret
Our sympathy to the family. Jerry was a wonderful teacher and gave me so much encouragement when I started calling Square Dances. We have many fond memories of those fun times. Mary & Dean Fishel.