Robert J. “Bob” Murray, 81, of Charles City, died Thursday, March 24, 2011, at Cedar Health in Charles City.
A funeral Mass for Robert Murray will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City. Reverend Carl Ries will celebrate the Mass. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Charles City.
Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday where the Rosary will be prayed at 4 p.m. and a Vigil Scriptural Wake Service at 7 p.m. followed by the Rosary led by the Knights of Columbus. Visitation will continue after 9:30 a.m. Monday at the church.
Robert James Murray was born September 13, 1929, in Charles City, the son of Austin and Estella (Kehoe) Murray. He graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy. In 1951, he served in the United States Navy. On November 19, 1955, he was united in marriage to Jo Ellen Marron in Waucoma. Bob farmed all of his life from the age of 16 and also was a salesman for Pioneer Seed Corn for 19 years. Over the years, he was a board member of the Floyd County Pork Producers, Northeast Iowa Research Farm, YMCA, Immaculate Conception Parish Council and local co-operative. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge and a volunteer with the Charles City Fire Department. Bob had a passion for farming, car shopping and spending time with his family. He also loved driving the SAG wagon for RAGBRAI for 10+ years. Bob and Jo Ellen enjoyed wintering in Phoenix, Ariz. for 15 years where they met many new friends.
Living family members include his wife of 55 years, Jo Ellen Murray of Charles City; six children, Rick (Bette) Murray of Floyd, Jeannie (Jerry) Parker of Cedar Rapids, Jeff (Lori) Murray of Charles City, Kevin Murray of Johnston, Craig (Sherrie) Murray of Olathe, Kans. and Jennifer (Andy) Girkin of Urbandale; 16 grandchildren; four great grandchildren: and a brother, Jim Murray of Charles City.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Pat Fitzpatrick and Marie Simmons; and a brother, Bill Murray.
The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hauserfh.com.
