"Just found out that Walt passed. He and June were our neighbors and we still miss them since they moved to the Manor. Walt will be greatly missed by my husband and I. Our condolences to his family."
In loving memory of
Walter Murray
November 15, 1925 - January 23, 2019
Walter Eugene, son of Martin Dale and Edith “Dolly” (Guss) Murray, was born November 15, 1925, at Irwin, IA. He attended country school in Irwin. Walt was the eldest of four sons and helped his parents with the farm work and livestock, in addition to later working for other farmers as well. He went on to do seasonal harvesting throughout the Midwest. Walt also worked at the GM plant in Michigan for a year and North American Aircraft in California for 5 years.
On November 12, 1956, Walt was united in marriage with June (Vest) Gaskill and welcomed her sons, Bruce “Ron” and Thomas, into their family. A son Dan and twin daughters, Sally and Susan, were born to Walt and June’s union. They initially lived on the Murray farm and later bought their home on the south edge of Irwin. Walt worked farming in the Irwin area and at Western Engineering as an equipment operator. He also worked for Shelby County operating heavy equipment and at the landfill. Through the years Walt kept bees and raised purebred Yorkshire hogs.
Walt enjoyed traveling, camping and fishing with his family and friends. He was talented in wood crafts and gardening as well. He could often be found visiting with friends on the deck, around the kitchen table or at the Irwin Country Store. Walt also loved to take family and friends on pontoon rides. He volunteered for the Irwin Fire Department and was a member of both the United Methodist Church in Irwin and the Greenridge Steam and Antique Club.
After retiring Walt and June first moved to a home on Ann Street in Irwin and in the summer of 2016 they both moved to the Manilla Manor Nursing Home in Manilla, IA. Following a short illness Walt died at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison, IA, on January 23, 2019, at the age of 93 years, 2 months and 8 days.
He is preceded in death by his parents; twin daughters Sally and Susan Murray; and brothers Arnold “Rae” Murray, James Murray and Dale “Junior” Murray.
Walter is survived by his wife, June Murray of the Manilla Manor; children: Bruce “Ron” Gaskill and wife Carole of North Liberty; Thomas Gaskill and wife Mary of Tucson, AZ; Dan Murray and wife Tammy of Harlan; 6 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; other relatives, friends and their Manilla Manor family.
Walt’s family suggests memorial donations in his honor be made to the United Methodist Church in Irwin.
Tributes
"To the Murray Family, May the God of all comfort, comfort you during this difficult time. (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). I am sorry for the loss of your loved one, Walter. "
"My deepest sympathy to the family for your great loss. Although pain and sorrow fills your hearts at this time, may you find comfort and strength in the Almighty God words at Psalms 34:18 "Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit....If a man die, shall he live again? asked the man Job long ago.(Job 14:14,15) Perhaps you, too, have wondered about this. The reuniting with your loved ones is possible right here in a New Paradise on earth soon to come. God's words makes the promise: Your dead ones will live. . . . They will rise up. And the Bible also says: The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it.Isaiah 26:19; Psalm 37:29. I hope that God Words will bring you comfort and peace!"
"I HAVEN'T SEEN WALTER IN A LONG TIME, BUT, I STILL REMEMBER HOW HE WAS ALWAYS QUICK WITH A BROAD SMILE AND BIG WAVE TO EVERYONE HE WOULD MEET. AND, AS I RECALL, HE ALWAYS HAD SOME GOOD STORIES TO SHARE AROUND THE VIP TABLE AT THE COUNTRY STORE! I'M SURE THE WHOLE FAMILY HAS MANY TREASURED MEMORIES TO KEEP WALTER ALIVE IN THEIR HEARTS! REMEMBERING HIM VERY FONDLY!"
"My prayers & condolences."
"Praying for peace & comfort for your family."
"Walt and June were the best neighbors when we all lived in the south part of town when I was in high school. Walt made me a little chair for a bunny my sister had made me. I still have it and l cherish it because of who made it. Walt always had a smile and that's the way I remember that dear man. Our deepest sympathy to the family,is hard to lose a loved,one no matter how long we have them here on earth."
"prays for the family he will be missed"
"To The Family: I am so sorry to hear of Walt's passing, he was such a genuine sweet guy, and he will be dearly missed. I always enjoyed my visits with he and June!"
"Thoughts and prayers for the family. He was a truly wonderful man who will be fondly remembered by many people."