Michael Charles Murray

Michael C. Murray, age 59, of Mahnomen, MN, died Sunday, January 29, 2012 in his home.

Michael Charles Murray, son of Ellsworth “Jack” and Geraldine (LaGue) Murray, was born on July 25, 1952 in White Earth, MN. He grew up in the Elbow Lake Village area and attended school in Waubun, MN. Mike enrolled in the Detroit Lakes Vocational School where he received training in auto body. As a young man, Mike worked for a short time doing brushing work for Mahnomen County then began working for Safeway Steel. At the age of 18, Mike began his employment with the Mahnomen County Highway Department where he gained the position of Assistant County Engineer. H also served many years as the Mahnomen County Safety Officer. On February 12, 1983 he was united in marriage to Donna Fabre. Together they lived and raise their family in Waubun. In 2000, Mike moved to Beaulieu, MN, near Mahnomen, to make his home. In July of 2011, he officially retired from the highway department after 39 years and 8 months of service.

Over the years, Mike was very active in the Waubun community serving on the school board, the city council, and the fire department. He also was a member of the Old Timers softball team for many years. In his younger years, Mike was an avid racer and participated in the Mahnomen demolition derbies. He enjoyed cooking and could often be found making fry bread and pineapple upside-down cake. He also loved to cook on his Weber grill and took pride in carving the holiday turkey and ham. He was a talented woodworker and frequently shared his handmade furniture with family and friends. He proudly made wooden toy boxes for the little ones in his family. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. Most importantly, Mike loved his family and cherished each of his precious grandchildren.

He is survived by a daughter, Celeste (Matt) Stalberger of Bemidji, MN; three sons: Casey (Lisa) Christensen of Callaway, MN, Mike (Sonia) Christensen of Waubun, and Teddy (Kendra) Murray of Bemidji; a brother, Dennis Murray of Pine Point, MN; sisters: Mike’s twin, Marilyn (Doyle) Kirkeby of Chanhassen, MN, Jackie Hariluk of Waubun, and Laurel Blackdeer of White Earth; brother-in-law, Bob Moran of Waubun; uncle, Ted LaGue of Naytahwaush, MN; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Mike is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Merlin; a sister, Charlene Moran.

A time of gathering will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2012, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, with a Prayer Service at 7:00 pm, all at the Anderson-Mattson Funeral Home, Mahnomen.

A private committal service will be held on Friday.