In loving memory of

Father Donald J. Murray
May 10, 1932 - May 1, 2018

Madison: Father Donald J. Murray entered eternal life on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at the age of 85, at home in Middleton, Wisconsin. He was born on May 10, 1932 in Chicago, Illinois, and is predeceased by his parents, William and Frances [Manning] Murray, sister June (Wally) Heilman, brother William (Mary Anne) Murray, and nephew Joseph Heilman.

After attending Little Flower Grade School in Chicago, Illinois, Father Murray continued his education at Edgewood Middle School and Edgewood High School in Madison, Wisconsin. He started his collegiate studies at St. Mary's College, Winona, Minnesota; studied Philosophy at the Dominican House of Studies, River Forest, Illinois, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts, and studied Theology at St. Paul University, St. Paul, Minnesota. He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop William P. O'Connor on May 27, 1961 at St. Raphael Cathedral, Madison.

Father Murray began serving in the Diocese of Madison as a Parochial Vicar of St. Jude Parish, Beloit; St. Raphael Cathedral Parish, Madison; St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Beloit; and St. Maria Goretti Parish, Madison. He was Pastor of St. Olaf Parish, De Forest; Our Lady of Assumption Parish, Beloit; St. Barnabas Parish, Mazomanie with mission of St. John the Baptist Parish, Mill Creek, and St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Madison, from which he retired in 2001. During his years of service to the Diocese of Madison, Father Murray served as a member of the Priests' Senate (Presbyteral Council); Priest Personnel Board; Diocesan Pastoral Council; Board of Conciliation & Arbitration; Clergy Spiritual Life; Diocesan Consultor (College of Consultors), and Chaplain to the Serra Club. He also taught at Beloit Catholic High School; was Assistant to the Principal, and was a Spiritual Director.

Aside from his ministry, "Father Don" loved baseball and played in college, only to give that up for his love of the Lord. This did not stop him from becoming one of the Chicago Cubs' biggest fans. He enjoyed the north woods where he spent his vacations at the cottage along the lakeshore with his family and friends. He was very proud of his Irish heritage and cherished the time he celebrated with his friends and many Irish relatives. Father was a man of deep prayer, which was reflected in the way he would bring Christ to the world through his wonderful joy, profound care and marvelous sense of humor. Father was an avid reader, a great teacher, and lived for any opportunity to prepare a life for eternal reward, where he now rests in peace.

He is survived by his many nieces and nephews, Don (Sue) Heilman, Judy (Joe) Balistreri, Fr. Richard Heilman, Mary Jo (Joe) Vitale, Lynn (Dr. John) Kryger, Mary Beth Murray, Tom (Shelley) Heilman, Bill (Shelly) Murray, Steve Murray, Patti (Ken) Brown, (30) great and great-great nieces and nephews, and friend Sister Georgeann Roudebush.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Drive, Madison, WI. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the start of the Holy Mass. Burial will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 6001 W 111th Street, Alsip, Illinois at 3:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes, Development Office, 320 County Road K, Fond du Lac, WI 54937. Please share a memory.


Cress Funeral Home
3610 Speedway Road
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 238-3434

Tributes

Dave and Jean Kollasch and family wrote on May 14, 2018:

"Father was an amazing pastor for us and Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish. He was an inspiration to all around him. He will be missed."

Cathy Wahlin wrote on May 8, 2018:

"I will miss Father Murray so much! He was one of my ALL time favorite people to go to confession. We would have such wonderful chats. I ALWAYS walked away feeling SO much better. Thank you for sharing your heart and kindness..."

Judy Hudson wrote on May 8, 2018:

"I lived next door to Fr. Murray for the past 6 years. He helped me through some very difficult times . It was no coincidence why God placed me next door to Fr. Murray. I am not sure how I would have gotten through my struggles if he was not there for me. Over the years we were there for one another. I helped him when ever he needed anything and he was there for me when I needed support and prayer. He would tell me I pray for you everyday. Father was born in the same area as I was on the South Side of Chicago and we were both big Cub fans and very proud of our Irish Catholic heritage. I never thought I would meet someone who loved the Cubs as much as my dad did! I will miss him so very much it is hard to walk by his door everyday knowing he is not there. He is in a better place now he is safely home with his creator and reunited with his beloved parents. God Bless you Fr. Donald Murray. May you rest in peace. Thank you for all your kindness and wonderful stories."

Richard Raab wrote on May 7, 2018:

"As my sister Geri posted, Fr. Don was a member of our family. As a young teenager I had the privilege of mowing lawns at St. Olaf's while he was Pastor. He always took time to have lunch with me. We talked often then but also remember the Cubs game was always on the radio. I had the privilege to be an altar server for him. I remember the family time he spent with us. He was a special priest and person. My condolences to Murray family on Fr. Don's passing. He will be missed. "

Geri wrote on May 7, 2018:

"Father Don was like a member of our family. We went to their family Lake home. Our parents travel together. He baptized my littlest sister, witnessed my marriage, brought my husband into the faith. He was my 12th grade religion teacher about marriage and faith. So many good memories."

Tony Galli wrote on May 7, 2018:

"When I first arrived in Madison as a young, single parent, Father Murray was a welcoming, supporting influence, and helped me on my spiritual path. He was a fine priest, a good man, and so often with a smile and touch of Irish wit...my thoughts and prayers are with him, his family and loved ones...Tony Galli"

Sue Simon wrote on May 6, 2018:

"Fr. Don was our parish priest at STA for over 20 years, presiding over our 4 sons many spiritual milestones in their youth and adulthood. He is tied up in so many fond memories of these special events, and will be long remembered for his selfless love of the Lord and his parishioners. He took a real inteerst in people and was our friend, as well as our priest. I corresponded via email with him many years since his retirement, as he continued his ministry in this way. He'll be sorely missed, but has more than earned the reward we are sure he's now enjoying. Bob and Sue Simon , "

Peggy J. (Walsh) Oungst class of 1964 wrote on May 4, 2018:

"I was a student of Father Murray's at Beloit Catholic High School in the 1960's. Father Murray was well loved by the students and we were very disappointed when he was transferred to Madison. He was a wonderful spiritual director and role model to many. I send my sympathies to family? "

JOHN/PAT WEAVER wrote on May 3, 2018:

"OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE ENTIRE MURRAY FAMILY ON THE PASSING OF YOUR UNCLE,FATHER DON. HE ALSO LEFT MANY COUSINS TO MOURN HIS DEATH AND WE'LL REMEMBER HIM IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS, JOHN AND PAT WEAVER"

John Kjentvet wrote on May 3, 2018:

"Father Murray was a ?pastoral? priest. He married Lisa and I. She subsequently became the adult choir director at STA. He also baptized our three sons, which was so special. I converted to the catholic faith prior to meeting father Don, but he cemented and reaffirmed my faith. Our family loved him and we will miss him."

Leonard Go wrote on May 3, 2018:

"Condolences to the St. Thomas Aquinas and Fr. Murray's family. He ran an exceedingly good race."