Michael Edwin Murray Sr.

MARQUETTE, MI - Michael E. Murray, Sr., age 71, of Marquette, passed away Saturday, October 22, 2022, at his home.
Born March 6, 1951, in Marquette, a son of Herbert and Ilene (Hoff) Murray, Mike was raised in Marquette. Following the early death of his father, Mike continued to be raised by Kaino Asplund who remained a constant throughout his life.
Mike's youth was filled with many adventures, but his favorite place to go was Sundell to visit his aunt and uncle and be out in the country. His grade school years were spent at Graveraet, which was across the street from where he lived. He attended high school for one year in Eben, but completed his high school years graduating from Marquette Senior High School in 1968. One day, while in high school, he met a young gal, Sandra Huempfner, outside a store, struck up a conversation, and the next day was waiting outside her classroom, and dating began. The couple was married on July 20, 1968 and in August they had their marriage blessed. They made their first home in Marquette and began raising a family with the birth of daughter, Lori. Mike enrolled at the Jacobetti Skill Center to become a journeyman welder and began his working career in Escanaba. Subsequent employments included working for Milwaukee Electric in Milwaukee for two years and it was there that he and Sandy welcomed their second child, Michael, Jr. However, the lure of the Upper Peninsula was too great, and the family moved back to Marquette where Mike was employed with Lakeshore, Inc. for the next 18 years. Another career change came when he began working for various companies as an over the road trucker, with his CB handle being M & M, for the next 18 years, retiring in 2018 from Van Damme Trucking.
Mike loved the great outdoors and all that it had to offer. He enjoyed fishing, especially being on Lake Superior and fishing for lake trout. An avid skier, he taught his children the sport and enjoyed watching his grandkids participate in it as well. Attending local car races at the Sands Speedway and occasional trips to the Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna were other enjoyable pursuits he enjoyed throughout the years. Mike was an avid pool player and played in several Marquette leagues. Both he and Sandy enjoyed going to the casino where he would play cards and she would play the slots. At home, Mike was a garage tinkerer and loved to mentor his kids and grandkids while involving them in various projects. Mike enjoyed watching his grandchildren play basketball and when he couldn't attend the games, he would watch them online.
Mike was a devoted grandfather who attended all his grandkids events, even to sitting through a soccer game in the snow. Later in life, Mike fell in love with his iPad, once he learned that YouTube could help you figure out just about anything.
Family was all important and Mike will be remembered for his love, happy and often goofy personality.
Through the years of his illness, Mike met Danielle and Tina, who became close friends and offered help and encouragement when he needed it.
Mike was a member of the former Moose Lodge.
Mike is survived by his wife, Sandy; his children, Lori (Bob) Kivi and Michael (Charlene Dawydko) Murray, Jr; his grandchildren, Kayla (Travis) Garlick, Marissa Murray, and Kelsey Kivi; sisters, Carol Fosco and Lois (Pierre) Ogea; brother, John Asplund; brothers-in-law, Rodney Ritari and Robert Beckman; sister-in-law, Cheryl Jones; many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Julie Ritari and Bonnie Beckman.
The family will receive relatives and friends at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Saturday, November 5, beginning at 1:00 pm until the time of service at 2:30 pm. Rev. Kevin Taylor will officiate. A dessert reception will be held.
Interment will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of UP Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate and professional care, especially nurse, Sara, and for the many kindnesses they extended to the family.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com