Kenneth Murray

Kenneth James Murray, 80, died Sunday, January 29, 2017, at Eventide, surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous battle with congestive heart failure.

He leaves his wife of 54 years, Arlene Morlock Murray; his daughters, Julie Murray Ziegler Eric Ziegler of St. Paul and Laurie Murray of Hillsboro, ND; grandchildren, Calvin Ziegler significant other Samantha Lohse and Kiera Ziegler; sisters, Annabelle Bill Froysland and Donna Johnson of Detroit Lakes, MN; as well as many special nieces and nephews. Ken was a loving husband, father, grandpa, uncle and friend to all.

Born in 1936 in Detroit Lakes, MN, he was the son of Clara Lind and Winfield Murray. He graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1954 and was a proud member of the 1953 undefeated Laker’s football team, which was the source of many lifelong friends. He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1954-1958, which afforded him the opportunity to further his education and travel widely. He spent time at many different Air Force bases throughout the U.S. and Canada, including the Strategic Air Command base in Goose Bay, Labrador. After being honorably discharged, he lived in the Seattle area for two years before moving back to Detroit Lakes. Ken worked for American Linen Supply Co. AmeriPride in Fargo from 1960 to 1998 where he met his wife, Arlene. They were married in Fargo on December 8, 1962. As Ken was an avid sports fan, they enjoyed cheering on the Twins and Vikings together. They also enjoyed many wonderful weekends at the lake going fishing and visiting with his Detroit Lakes family. He spent four years of his retirement as a door attendant at MeritCare in Fargo, a position that was more enjoyment than work. His love of God, family and country guided his life.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald, Timothy, Wallace, and Albert; sisters, Ione Olmstead, Ethel May Murray, Alice Greminger, Betty MacDonald and Virginia Wold. He was also preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law, Paul and Lydia Morlock; brother-in-law, Kenneth Morlock and sister-in-law, Karen Leach.

A special thanks to Pastors Jeff and Dan and the community of Triumph Lutheran Brethren, the Hospice of the Red River Valley and to the staff in the transitional care unit at Eventide for their loving care and support.