Donald Ernest Murray

Born on June 27, 1938, in Powers, Michigan, Donald was delivered at a home by a midwife and raised on a farm. From a young age, he worked in the woods alongside his father, grandfather, and siblings–experiences that shaped his strong work ethic and lifelong connection to the outdoors.

Donald made his home in Carney, Michigan. Over the years, he worked a variety of jobs, including working in the woods, factory work at Frigo Cheese, transporting milk from local dairy farms for Dennis Rye, and spending a short time as a concrete worker in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Earlier in his life, he also studied electrical wiring. He often said that if he were able, he’d still be driving truck for Dennis Rye, hauling milk from local farms.

He found enjoyment in the simple things–cutting firewood for exercise, tending a garden, snowmobiling in his early years, fishing, hunting, foraging, and visiting the casino. He especially enjoyed playing cards, particularly cribbage, and valued time spent with family and old friends around the table.

Donald’s life was one of both challenges and connection. In his later years, he shared time with family in different ways, and those moments were meaningful.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Murray; his parents, Ernest and Luella (Lauscher) Murray; and several siblings.

Don is survived by his children: Ernie (Pam) Murray, Denise (Glenn) Krueger, Donald “Jack” Murray Jr., Christopher (Micki) Murray, Veronica (Kevin) McMahon, Lisa (Scott) Hellberg, Jeffrey (Tammy) Murray, and Scott (Kim) Murray; his siblings, Roger (Jan) Murray and Ken (Connie) Murray; his sisters-in-law, Barb (Joe) Murray and Sharon (Bill) Murray; his brothers-in-law, Ronald (Micki) Hoduski and Gerald (Elaine) Hoduski; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and his god child Jeri Lynn Hoduski.

Visitation for Don will be held at St. Bruno Catholic Church in Nadeau on Saturday May 2, 2026 from 9:30 am until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am with Father Benny Mathew officiating. Burial will follow in Nadeau Township Cemetery. Anderson Diehm Funeral Home is assisting the Murray family with arrangements.