Murray, Kenneth E.

The ashes of Dr. Kenneth Edwin Murray will be buried at St. Mary Cemetery in Fennimore, WI on Thursday, August 14, 2025.  

Ken Murray passed away at his home in Novi, Michigan on March 16, 2025 after a short illness. He was predeceased in 2021 by his beloved wife, Irene (nee Novinski), after 65 years of marriage. He was also predeceased by his sister Eloise Ofstun and brother Frank Murray.

Ken was born in Denton, Wisconsin and raised with his siblings by their parents, Earl and Elizabeth Murray, in Monfort, Wisconsin.  He described his wonderful childhood in that small farming community and spoke of many classmates who were lifelong friends. Ken and Irene were neighbors who became childhood sweethearts while working at the soda fountain of the local drugstore. After dating in high school and college, they married in 1956. They were the devoted parents of four children - Brian (Alison), Christopher (Cynthia), Lisa Charney, and Sara (Garth) Barbee. Ken was proud of his 10 grandchildren, Lauren Bonenfant, Alyssa Hurtado, Nicholas Charney, Anna Chum, Thomas Charney, Elisabeth Nachtman, Sonja Barbee, Clay Barbee, Emma Murray and Jack Murray. He also delighted in his 5 great-grandchildren, Paul Bonenfant, Emmett Chum, Andrea Hurtado, Teresa Bonenfant and Everett Nachtman. The family was fortunate to gather often for dinners, birthdays and reunions with their large extended family members.

Ken received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Pre-Med from Beloit College in Wisconsin, and his medical degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathy and Surgery in Missouri, where he graduated with high honors. He completed his residency at Lansing General Hospital (now McLaren Lansing). Ken and his friend, Dr. John T. O’Connor, practiced general medicine together for 39 years in Lansing. At Lansing General, Ken was Chief of Staff twice, he was appointed to the hospital Board of Trustees for 6 years and was board-certified in general medicine. In 1996, he received the Walter F. Patenge Medal of Public Service from the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Ken often mentored MSU medical students.

 After retiring in 1997, Irene and Ken traveled in the US, Europe and Northern Africa. They spent many winters in Sarasota, Florida in the company of good friends and visiting family. Ken was an avid golfer who scored 5 hole-in-ones. He also enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing with family and friends. Irene and Ken were members of St. Casimir Catholic Church in Lansing, St. Martha Catholic Church in Okemos and Holy Family Catholic Church in Novi. They were life members of the Country Club of Lansing. In 2017, they moved from Lansing to Novi, MI to be closer to family.

Expressions of sympathy and details of memorial contributions:  https://www.obriensullivanfuneralhome.com/