Alan Murray

Alan Edward Murray known to friends and family as "Al" was born to Marcus S. & Verna Mae Murray on October 27, 1946, in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. He passed away peacefully after a long battle with dementia on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at "Our House Senior Living" in River Falls, Wisconsin.

He grew up in Cameron, and attended Cameron High School where Al's father was a teacher for many years. Al was a member of the choir and also played the clarinet and bagpipes. His lovely speaking voice developed early. At age 15, he became a DJ for the local Rice Lake radio station. Thus began his life-long love of radio.

Al went on to attend the University of Wisconsin River Falls from 1964 through 1967, and then again from 1971 to 1973. He majored in History and Drama and was a member of the dramatic fraternity, Alpha Psi Omega. During his break from college, he went into the Navy from December 1967 to February 1971, where he was a radio technician primarily on the USS Tidewater. Al had a lovely baritone voice and was part of Bluejacket Navy Choir.

During his time at the University, he became the co-founder and chief engineer of WRFW campus radio station. He became a full time employee at UWRF in the fall of 1976. He was chief engineer for WRFW, as well as a music electronics technician, then as a general electronics technician, and finally as a media supervisor. His work included repairing many types of electronic equipment as well as installing computers, setting up and installing telephones systems, and installing and updating cable and fiber optics throughout the years of changing technology and he continued to do so for 36 years until he retired in 2011.

Al worked with faculty, staff, and students at UWRF. He particularly enjoyed working with students who acted as his assistants under several university programs. He lectured to media/communications students on technical equipment and the radio station. Al received university and employee awards as well as WRFW awards throughout his career. As a student and occasionally as an employee he was involved in the university theater program, running the sound and lights and yes, on occasion he even performed!

Al had a passion for all forms of vintage communication technology, including telephone, radio, and military forms. He was especially interested in HAM Radios. He had an international station and was involved in monitoring radios for police emergencies. He also volunteered for crowd control at events, and worked in helping the local police and sheriffs departments upgrade their radio and other technology.



Al loved history! Al and his wife Lois, often travel to historical sites and museums. He also participated in local historical costumed reenactments. He developed an interest in vintage rifles and pistols. Most of which were black powder. He had a small collection and several replicas and reloaded much of his ammunition.

Al is survived by his wife Lois and many colleagues and friends from the University. He was a kind, thoughtful, caring, funny, and quick witted man. He was dedicated to helping UWRF students, often saying, "students are what really matter." He was a superb technician, innovative and current with the latest technology, always willing to learn and change with the times. He was generous with his time and expertise, dropping everything to volunteer or help with local organizations updating their equipment.

There will be a private memorial for family only. Cards can be sent to 1210 Golf View Dr. River Falls, WI 54022. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Marcus S. Murray scholarship fund at the UWRF foundation.