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Murray Stempel Obituary
Murray Stempel Jr., 76, of Rancho Mirage, CA passed away peacefully at his home on June 4, 2008. Born in Chicago, IL, February 26, 1932, to Murray and Mollie Stempel; he was the beloved husband of Joan Stempel, of Rancho Mirage, CA; loving father of
Murray (Linda) Stempel III, of Haverford, PA, Scott (Karen) Stempel of Potomac, MD, and Bruce (Ellie) Stempel of Batavia, IL; proud grandfather of Adam, Jessica, Alex, Alison, and Andrea; and dear brother of Robert (Tami) Stempel. For 40 years,
Murray was the President of Ajax Adhesives Industries, Inc., a family owned manufacturer of industrial adhesives in Chicago. He was also a former President of Bryn Mawr Country Club, in Lincolnwood. After moving to Rancho Mirage, CA, Murray owned and operated Kokopelli Café and was a member of the Palm Desert Rotary. Murray served in the Air Force from June, 1953, to December, 1955, as a First Lieutenant. Memorial services will be held in the Ramon Chapel at Forest Lawn Cathedral City, CA, on Sunday, June 8, 2008, at 2 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Melanoma Research Foundation, 170 Township Line Road, Building B, Hillsborough, NJ 08844.
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Memories and Condolences
for Murray Stempel
Brandon
April 28, 2025
I built him a website for Kokopelli cafe in the 1990s, very fond memories, he was a great guy, I enjoyed working for him
Diana Karasik/Levin
June 11, 2008
Joan - I met you when you were engaged to Murray (Junior was what I called him) so many years ago. I was very sad to read the Chicago Trib over the weekend and learn of his passing. I send you my heartfelt sympathy. He was a great guy.
Beverly and Maury Gross
June 9, 2008
Dear Joan-our very sincerest sympathy to you and your family at this time. Maury and I were very sorryto hear the news and want you to know that we are thinking of you.
Sheldon Gray
June 8, 2008
Joan; My deepest condolences to you and the entire family. May G-D be with you during this difficult period.
Kay Van Zandt
June 8, 2008
I met Murray through the Palms to Pines Rotary and always enjoyed his company. During his absence from our club, I have missed his warm presence. My deepest sympathy to you, Joan, and your family at this time of your great loss.
john marman
June 7, 2008
Murray was one of our unsung heros--we will miss him!!
Patrick Schruben
June 7, 2008
I enjoyed Murray's company at many Rotary breakfasts and functions. I will miss him and look forward to the time I will see him again.
Richard Smetana
June 7, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Jean Dores
June 7, 2008
Murray and I sat together for several years at our Palms to Pines Rotary Meetings. We always had many, many things to share and laugh. A few years ago when I was going to attend the Rotary Convention in Chicago, Murrary gave me the inside scoop. He loved Chicago and told me all of the great places to go and see. I miss you Murrary, you are a great, great friend.
Eric Vogt
June 7, 2008
Murray Stempel was a good Rotarian and a fine man. He was quiet and fun loving with a great since of humor. It was a joy to know him. We are going to miss him. God bless you Murray.
Chuck Weisbart
June 7, 2008
I was lucky enough to meet Murry through the Palms To Pines Rotary where I was able to know his kindness, gentle caring manner, and wonderful sense of humor. All of us in Palms to Pines will remember him warmly and miss his presence greatly.
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