Charles Murray
Charles Murray
Bettendorf
May 15, 1926 – March 24, 2023
Charles was born on May 15, 1926, in Duluth, Minn. “Chuck” grew up on a farm just outside of Duluth, and his strong work ethic stayed with him the rest of his life. Shortly after he turned 18 years old, Chuck joined the Navy on D-Day (June 6, 1944). He was an electrician in gun turret #1 (of three turrets) on the USS North Carolina, responsible for the 16” guns to fire properly. After serving in the Navy for two years through the conclusion of WWII, he returned to Minnesota to study agricultural engineering at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. After graduating from college, Chuck moved back to Duluth to begin his professional career as an engineer, primarily in the food processing industry. While in Duluth, Chuck met his future wife, Rose Marie Robitaille, on a blind date. Chuck and Rose married in 1952, and were together for 57 years until her passing in 2009.
They moved to Davenport, Iowa, in the mid-’50s, where Chuck was employed by International Harvester. Their oldest son, Steve, was born in Davenport while they lived there. After a couple of years, the family moved up to Cedar Rapids, where Chuck worked for Cherry-Burrell, and then Penick & Ford. While in Cedar Rapids, Chuck and Rose had three more children – Sue, Dave, and Dan.
In the late ’70s, the family relocated to Keokuk, Iowa, after Penick & Ford closed its doors. Chuck was able to remain in the corn syrup processing industry in Keokuk with Hubinger Corporation for a couple of years, until he found better employment with Ralston-Purina in Davenport, where he finished his professional career in 1993.
Chuck and Rose enjoyed traveling and visiting their kids and grandkids for many years. They also were regular attendees at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Bettendorf. Chuck enjoyed gardening, and his fellow parishioners would eagerly ask him how his tomato crop was coming along, with anticipation of perhaps receiving some of the surplus. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan, even though he was a graduate of the University of Minnesota.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents Chuck and Stella, wife Rose Marie, and siblings Ed, Jim, Ann, and Robert. He is survived by his children Steve (Judy) Murray, Sue (Craig) Reams, Dave (Jeanne) Murray, and Dan (Deborah) Murray, as well as many grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Funeral services were held Friday, March 31, at 11 a.m. at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Bettendorf. Visitation was 10 a.m. to service time in the church gathering space. Burial is in National Cemetery, Rock Island. Halligan-McCabe-DeVries assisted the family with arrangements.
Donations may be made to The Fountains Senior Living in Bettendorf.
Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting his obituary at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.