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GLADSTONE -- Steve C. Murray, age 77, of Gladstone, Mich., went home to be with the Lord on August 7, 2024 with his loving family by his side. Steve was born on November 2, 1946 in Michigamme, Mich. to Jerry and Arminta Mae (Chapman) Murray. Steve was the youngest of 10 children, born at home, and raised in Michigamme. Steve married Diane L. Ecklid on October 29, 1966. They enjoyed 53 years of marriage and raised three beautiful children – Shelly, Steven, and Shawn, in Baraga, Mich. While raising their children in Baraga, Steve worked for Celotex, and then for the Village of Baraga, eventually retiring from the Baraga Water Plant, where he was an operator.
He was an avid fur trapper. He would pay for the family's Christmas presents, each year, by selling his furs. He was also a talented musician, playing guitar in many bands, in the 60s and 70s. His family has many fond memories of Steve playing his guitar. Steve loved "The Blues." He never missed the annual Blues Festival, held each summer, in Marquette, Mich. One of the highlights of his life was meeting BB King in Sault Saint Marie, Mich.
Steve also loved tinkering, building, hunting, fishing, gardening, and cooking. He, especially, loved to cook for his family. He was known for his Indian tacos and his fish frys. His greatest love was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandpa. Steve had a great sense of humor, and a quiet, gentle, steadfast spirit. He liked to go to the casino, and was a big Detroit Lions and Detroit Red Wings fan. Later in life, Steve sought the Lord, and found peace in His Savior, Jesus Christ. He never heard the song "Amazing Grace" without shedding a tear.
Steve is survived by his children – Shelly (Patrick) DeBone, Steven (Tina) Murray, Shawn (Tammy) Murray, his siblings – Robert (Annette Grenier) Murray, Marie (Jim) Tuck, his grandchildren - Joseph (Mikala) DeBone, Timothy DeBone, Andrew (Emily) DeBone, Chelsea (Matthew) Sieminski, Taylor (Joe) Hyrkas, Cameron Murray, Gaven Picciano, Gabrielle Picciano (Kyle Lake), John Messer III, Lily Messer, Lazer Murray, Zachary Murray, Brooklyn Murray, Cameron (Carrie Ann) Menigoz, Nathan Ashbreck, Katherine Robeson and Cody Robeson. He is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren - Vince, Geno & Ellie DeBone, Cason and Hayes Hyrkas, Paxton and Chase Picciano, Ryan, Rudy and James Menigoz. He leaves behind many in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Steve was preceded in death by his wife - Diane Murray, his parents – Jerry and Arminta "Mintie" Murray, and his siblings - Louie Murray, Bernice "Bunny" Ranta, Eugene Murray, Kenny Murray, Ray Murray, Jerry Murray and Warren "Jigger" Murray. A special thank you to UP Health Care and Hospice who came alongside the family during Steve's short illness.
Visitation will be held from 1 a.m. to noon Saturday, August 17 at the Wellspring Community Church in Escanaba with funeral services to be held at noon with Pastor Paul Culbertson officiating. A luncheon will be serviced following the funeral services at the church. Burial will take place in the Lakeview Cemetery in Michigamme, Mich.
The Anderson Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone are assisting the Murray family with the arrangements and online condolences can be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.