Michael P. Murray found his peace on June 19, 2024 at age 79, after passing away unexpectedly at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, surrounded by family. Michael was the first of eight children born to John and Gloria Murray of Manitowoc in November of 1944. After he graduated from Lincoln High School, he voluntarily entered the Marine Corps in August, 1963. In December of 1966, he married Constance Hetue at St. Boniface in Manitowoc. Together they had two daughters, Colleen and Michelle, which began their own family tree.

While Michael graduated with honors from UW-Stout in Menomonie, WI, he was most proud of his military career in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served 15 months in Vietnam as a Field Radio Operator. He received six medals including two Good Conduct medals and a Sharpshooter Badge by the end of his tour.  In September of 1966, he was promoted to E-5 Sergeant. This experience was the groundwork that led his lifelong commitment to supporting military charities such as Wounded Warriors and Disabled American Veterans. He and Connie also supported American Red Cross and Harbor House.

Utilizing his military service skills, Michael enjoyed spending time with his friends shooting weapons at target practice or indoor ranges. He also discovered a passion for leatherwork, including clothing, and intricate painting of small, historic figurines especially from the Civil War era. Studying history of this time period was a lifelong interest. In his later years, he began creating dioramas of diverse historical battles of our country. Michael would say this made him feel like a kid again.

Michael is survived by his daughter Michelle (Ken) Donicht; grandchildren Dana Waller, Michael (Allison) Donicht, Christina Rene, and Alexa Donicht; great-grandchildren Allison, Raiden, Abby, Cameron, Ezra, Thea, and Amara; siblings Margaret Murray, Marcie Bierman, Mack Murray, Marie Mabrey, Mace (Laura) Murray, and Matthew (Jaime Moreno) Murray; siblings-in-law Gerlinde (Ken) Hetue-Huffman, Darlene (Sonny) Steffen, Sandy Hetue, Gregg (Connie) Hetue, Laurie Adelman, Linda (Jim) Martin, and Renee (David) Milner; many nieces and nephews; other special family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife Connie, daughter Colleen Waller, his parents John and Gloria, brother Mark, and siblings-in-law Doug Hetue, Don Hetue, Jerry Hetue, and Joe Adelman.

Cremation has taken place at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home Crematory Chapel. The family will greet relatives and friends at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 N. Water St., Manitowoc, on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. until the time of Military Honors at 12:45 p.m., with a luncheon to follow at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center on the south property of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to any of the above-mentioned charities. Dad was one of a kind, always marching to the beat of his own drum. He was most always in his cowboy garb, even on hot summer days. We believe he would want each of us to attend in what we are most comfortable wearing, not suits and ties and black dresses, unless of course, that's what you're most comfortable in. We do think it would be a great tribute and honor to him to wear red, white and blue; if you are so inclined.

Michael's family wishes to thank Aurora Oshkosh ER staff and the Flight for Life team for getting him to Milwaukee so quickly. Special thanks to the vascular and surgical ICU staff at Froedtert Hospital for their heroic measures, compassionate hearts, expertise, and guidance.