Ronald "Ron" Murray

Artist, trail wanderer and avid storyteller Ronald Martin Murray, 76, passed away on Sunday October 3, 2021 after a very strenuous and most courageous battle with cancer. He had 5 children, all of whom were with him at his bedside when he departed for his last great adventure. 

Ron was born on March 10, 1945 in Detroit, MI to Virgil and Charlotte Murray. His parents then settled in Crandon, WI where he graduated from Crandon High School with the class of 1963.  Ron went on to receive his Bachelor of Science at UW-Stevens Point, after which he became an incredibly inspiring art teacher for many years to come. Ron eventually moved to De Pere and later settled in Oconto Falls where he remained into his retired years. 

He was a lifelong learner and his passion for art and storytelling became something he was most commonly known for.  Ron participated in various art programs throughout the local area, including an art class hosted by NWTC and was part of an art group in Oconto Falls that he was extremely fond of. Ron also loved the outdoors;  when he wasn’t taking pictures or painting scenery, he could be found fishing and enjoying walking trails; his favorite place to be was at Dave’s Falls. He also thoroughly enjoyed beating everyone at cribbage; especially his daughter-in-law Amy. But when the student became the master, it was a different experience with his daughter Ali, who beat him almost every time. His sense of humor, laughter, and jokes were unmatched and will resonate for decades to come.  

Ron is survived by his 5 children; sons, Jason (Ginger) Murray, Sean (Amy) Murray and daughters Erica (Chad) Howard, Alison Murray, Christy (Jesse Rush) Murray. Ron is further survived by his brother Gary (Fanny) Murray, sister Kay (David) Samz and several nieces and nephews he loved as deeply as his own children. His pride and joy were his 11 grandkids; Paige, Sadie, Genna, Jaeli, Lyla, Teagan, Kelby, Jaxon, Addie, Olivia and Emmerly.  Ron was preceded in death by his parents Virgil Murray and Charlotte (Harlan) Murray and brothers Gordon Murray and Jim Murray.

Friends and family may gather at Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care, 860 N. Webster Ave, De Pere, Saturday, October 16, from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm with sharing of memories to follow.  The sharing of memories will also be livestreamed on Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care’s Facebook page. Thoughts and memories of Ron may be shared on his tribute wall.

While living plant arrangements are welcome, the family would appreciate assistance with funeral costs in lieu of flowers. Any excess contributions will be donated in Ron’s name to a charity centered around arts for disabled children. https://everloved.com/life-of/ronald-murray/donate/