Robert B. Murray
July 15, 1946 - October 27, 2023
Obituary
OREGON - Robert B. “Bob” Murray, age 77, passed away Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. Bob was born in Richland Center, Wis., the son of Loras and Rose Marie (Wolfe) Murray.
Bob was born with Spina Bifida. His parents were told he probably wouldn’t see his first birthday and definitely wouldn’t see his twentieth. So much for that prognosis.
Bob had a fairly normal childhood growing up in Benton, Wis. He attended grade and high school there, having a large peer group. His graduating class numbered 13. He was an average student, participating in a number of the clubs and social activities. He was the manager of the athletic teams as well as class president.
After high school, Bob attended Wisconsin State College-Platteville, graduating in 1968 with a degree in Social Sciences. He was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
After college, his first job was with Oscar Mayer (the Wienie Wonderland). He worked there for about a year then obtained a staff position at Catholic Charities where he worked for 38 years. He did adoptions, placing 300+ infants in southwestern Wisconsin. He also did intake, worked in the homeless program and helped to establish the Hope Haven Program of which he is the last surviving member.
In 1969, Bob married Susan Soley and they were together 49 years. They had two children, Jennifer and Scott, and four grandchildren.
Bob enjoyed playing golf as long as he was able, as well as a little hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed playing cards and reading military and political history of the 1930s and ‘40s.
Bob is survived by his children, Jennifer Hancock and Scott (Katherine) Murray; four grandchildren, Brett Hancock, Emily Hancock, Cameron Murray and Spencer Murray; and siblings, Karen Griffin, Richard Murray and Thomas Murray.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan Murray; parents; and brother, Philip Murray.
A Memorial Mass will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 651 N. Main St., Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Thursday.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Oregon
Funeral & Cremation Care
1150 Park St.
(608) 835-3515